Indian-American Doctor Confronts Racist Abuse Over Bindi in Viral Video

An Indian-American doctor has spoken out after receiving a wave of racist comments online over a video in which she wore a bindi, saying she was stunned 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 triggered hateful remarks, with several users telling her to "go back to India". Reddy said the reaction was unlike anything she had experienced before, adding that her years working in healthcare had largely been marked by respect and acceptance.

"I have never seen so much anti-Indian rhetoric in my entire life," she said, explaining that the medical community had always been welcoming and that she had rarely felt like a minority in that environment. Responding to comments targeting her Hindu faith, Reddy also addressed misconceptions about the significance of cows in Hinduism. She said many Hindus avoid eating beef out of respect for the role cows historically played in sustaining families by providing milk, rather than because of simplistic stereotypes often shared online. She said she was saddened that people appeared increasingly comfortable posting hateful messages on social media and urged users to treat others with kindness.

"I hope that this at least opened your mind to Hinduism and cows," she said, adding, "Be kind, please."

The video drew widespread support from viewers, many of whom praised Reddy for calmly addressing the abuse instead of responding with anger. One user credited the doctor with transforming their life through medical treatment, writing: "Dr Reddy saved my life when she gave me the opportunity to live without pain every day. Take the hate elsewhere." Another user commented: "So proud of you for showing up anyway. You saved me giving me my gender affirming care and I am so grateful that you exist in the healthcare space and take up space as yourself and the way you support each of your patients!"