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Kashyap “Kash” Patel, the Indian-origin lawyer and recently appointed
FBI Director
under Donald Trump, has publicly embraced his cultural roots, sharing an article on social media that highlights how his
Hindu upbringing
has shaped his worldview, values, and leadership style. The post, which has since gone viral among
Indian-American
and pro-MAGA circles, provides a rare glimpse into the personal convictions of a man more often known for his takedowns of the so-called deep state.
The article traces Patel’s journey from his immigrant family’s modest beginnings to the upper echelons of US government, with a consistent thread running through it: the influence of Hinduism on his life. Raised in a traditional joint family household in New York, Patel’s childhood was steeped in the practices, festivals, and moral teachings of Hinduism. His father, Pramod Patel, fled Uganda during the brutal regime of Idi Amin in 1972, eventually settling in the US after a brief stint in India. His mother, Anjana Patel, grew up in Tanzania. Together, they built a home where hard work, education, and respect for elders were not just encouraged—they were sacred.
Sharing the article on X (formerly Twitter), Patel underscored how the values of dharma, karma, and seva—righteous duty, action with accountability, and selfless service—have guided his personal and professional journey. “Kash’s upbringing was rooted in the values of Hinduism—hard work, respect, and education—values that have influenced his worldview,” the article states. It goes on to note that his parents raised him to “respect all religions, embodying the message of universal tolerance famously delivered by Swami Vivekananda in his 1893 speech at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago.”
Patel’s deep respect for his cultural heritage was on full display during his Senate confirmation hearing for the FBI role. Before delivering his opening remarks, he turned to his parents in the audience and touched their feet—an age-old Hindu gesture of reverence and gratitude. The act drew attention on both sides of the political aisle, symbolising a rare and visible assertion of Indian cultural values in the heart of American power.
Patel, a prominent figure in conservative US politics, often exhibits religious markers associated with Hindu traditions. He is frequently seen wearing a sacred thread (kalava or mauli) on his wrist—a common sign of Hindu faith. He has publicly said "Jai Shri Krishna," invoking the Hindu deity Lord Krishna, which is both a greeting and a devotional exclamation. Such expressions align with broader Hindu customs, like touching parents’ feet as a mark of respect, lighting diyas during Diwali, or visiting temples during significant festivals. These practices highlight his cultural and spiritual identity, especially as
Hindu values
gain more visibility in diaspora communities.
Capping off his statement, Patel invoked a phrase rarely heard in such settings: “Jai Shri Krishna.” The salutation, meaning “Victory to Lord Krishna,” reverberated through the hearing room, becoming an instant talking point on social media and WhatsApp groups across the Indian diaspora.
While the gesture drew praise from many in the Indian-American community, it also stirred the usual backlash from liberal commentators who saw it as a blending of religion and governance. However, Patel has never made apologies for his background or beliefs. In fact, he has consistently argued that the strength of American democracy lies in its ability to accommodate and embrace diverse cultural expressions.
Patel’s visibility as a Hindu public figure is significant, especially in a political ecosystem where Indian-American representation has often been confined to sanitized cultural references. Unlike others who distance themselves from India’s civilisational heritage for fear of political incorrectness, Patel has leaned into his identity—whether it’s supporting the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, quoting Swami Vivekananda, or criticising Western media for what he calls “biased narratives” about India.
The FBI chief’s public embrace of his Indic roots marks a shift not just in how Indian-Americans are represented, but in how they represent themselves. For Patel, being American and being Hindu are not contradictory identities—they are complementary. And in an era where
identity politics
dominates public discourse, his unapologetic integration of both worlds sends a powerful message.
Patel’s rise also adds a layer of complexity to Trump’s 2024 campaign and the broader
MAGA coalition
. Far from being a monolith of evangelical Christians, Trump’s inner circle now includes a growing number of Indian-origin figures—Patel, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Usha Vance, among others—who bring a distinct cultural and philosophical worldview into conservative politics.
With his latest social media post, Patel has made it clear that his Hindu upbringing is not just a footnote in his biography—it is a living, breathing force that continues to guide his decisions, inform his ethics, and define his mission. In doing so, he has opened the door for a broader conversation about what it means to lead while remaining anchored in one's cultural heritage.
As the article he shared notes, “While Patel leads a secular institution, his background and values inform his approach to governance.” It adds that his “promise to restore justice and fairness” is guided by both personal conviction and spiritual grounding.
