Indian-American doctor speaks out after viral video sparks ‘go back to India’ slur against Bindi World News
An Indian-American doctor who has spoken out after receiving a wave of racist comments online over a video of her wearing a bindi said she was shocked by the level of anti-Indian abuse directed at her, despite being born and raised in the United States.Dr. Karishma Reddy shared her response in an Instagram video after a light-hearted post about a patient interaction unexpectedly sparked hate speech, with some users telling her to “go back to India.”Reddy said the reaction was unlike anything she had experienced before, adding that she had largely been treated with respect and acceptance during her years working in the health care field.“I have never seen so much anti-India rhetoric in my life,” she said. She explained that the medical community has always been welcoming to her, and she rarely felt like a minority in that environment.Responding to comments about her Hindu faith, Reddy also spoke about misconceptions about the importance of cows in Hinduism. She said many Hindus avoid beef out of respect for the cow’s historical role in sustaining the family by providing milk, rather than because of simplistic stereotypes often spread online.She said she was saddened by people’s seeming increasing willingness to post hateful messages on social media and urged users to be kind to others.“I hope this at least opens your mind to Hinduism and cows,” she said, adding, “Please be kind.”The video received widespread support from viewers, many of whom praised Reddy for handling the abuse calmly rather than reacting with anger.One user praised the doctor for transforming their lives through medical treatment, writing: “Dr. Reddy saved my life by giving me the opportunity to live without pain every day. Take your hatred elsewhere. “Another user commented: “No matter what, I’m so proud of you for showing up. You saved me and gave me gender-affirming care and I’m so grateful that you exist in healthcare and take up space in your own way and the way you support every patient!”
