Being a person of colour in the West often means facing racism as regularly as attending high school classes. However, racism has hit a disturbing new low, combining hateful stereotypes with mockery of disability. Several US-based social media accounts have targeted Rajendra Panchal, a 40-year-old man from Pune, by misusing his pre-surgery photos to promote anti-Indian racism.
Panchal suffered from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis caused by a childhood fall. Unable to afford proper treatment, he lived for 38 years on a liquid diet and was unable to chew solid food or speak clearly. In 2017, with the help of a compassionate surgeon, he finally underwent corrective surgery and began a new life.
Despite his journey of hardship and recovery, Panchal’s pre-surgery images have been used maliciously to insult Indians. Some American users on social media have circulated his photos, branding Indians as “deformed job-stealers” and linking them negatively to US tech hubs. These racist posts fuel xenophobic sentiments and align with the anti-immigrant rhetoric popular among far-right groups, particularly associated with President Donald Trump’s MAGA supporters.
The racism doesn’t stop at ethnicity; it dehumanizes disability and mocks personal trauma. A widely viewed fact-checking thread exposed the truth behind the viral image, condemning the attack on Panchal and the Indian community at large.
According to recent reports, anti-Indian hate content has significantly increased since Trump’s presidency, especially targeting H-1B visa holders. Panchal, now recovering and living a healthier life, couldn’t have imagined his story being twisted to fuel hate.
In reality, Indians — like many immigrant communities — have contributed significantly to building and advancing American society. Reducing their stories to slurs and stereotypes does not only tarnish individual lives but disrespects an entire nation’s contributions.
