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.
Rajendra Panchal, racism, disability, H-1B visa, anti-Indian hate
India has confirmed the successful test of its nuclear-capable Agni-Prime missile, a part of its…
Most startup founders are taught to obsess over their product, spending months (or, let's be…
It’s not every day you hear about a company losing $73 billion and just… keeping…
Indian nationals now receive over 70% of all H-1B visas issued annually by the United…
Join us for a fun and interactive hands-on Indian cooking class hosted by Dr. Bidisha…
Join us for a fun, hands-on Indian cooking class led by Dr. Bidisha Nag! In…