Vivek Ramaswamy, the Indian-American politician and Republican candidate running for governor of Ohio, has once again drawn national attention for his strong defense of his Hindu faith. During an event hosted by Charlie Kirk at Montana’s Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Ramaswamy confidently addressed questions about his religious beliefs, turning a potentially tense exchange into a powerful moment on faith and identity.
When an attendee asked him about his religion, Ramaswamy invited the man to read Article 6 of the U.S. Constitution, which clearly states that no religious test shall ever be required for holding public office. He emphasized that while he is a practicing Hindu, his campaign is grounded in American constitutional values — not religious affiliations. “I believe there’s one true God,” Ramaswamy said, explaining his understanding of the divine from the Vedanta school of Advaita philosophy. “That one God lives in all of us and appears in different forms.”
Clarifying misconceptions about Hinduism, he drew a comparison with Christianity, asking, “Do you believe in the Holy Trinity? And that doesn’t make you a polytheist, does it?” His response resonated with the audience, showcasing his ability to balance conviction with reason.
Ramaswamy, who often describes himself as an “ethical monotheist,” stated, “I’m not running to be a pastor; I’m running to be governor.” He stressed that his role as a political leader is to uphold freedom, not to represent any one faith.
This was not the first time Ramaswamy has faced scrutiny over his beliefs. At a Turning Point USA event at Penn State in 2024, he faced a hostile question accusing him of equating Hindu deities with Jesus Christ. Calm and composed, Ramaswamy responded that he proudly stands by his faith and believes in religious liberty for everyone.
During earlier campaign stops, including in Iowa and New Hampshire, he reiterated that he would “rather lose an election than pretend to be someone else.” Ramaswamy affirmed, “I’m Hindu, and I’m proud of that. I’ll never fake convert for political gain.”
Through his consistent message, Ramaswamy has positioned himself as a defender of religious freedom in America, urging respect for all beliefs while proudly embracing his Hindu identity.
