‘I had to stand up for what I believe in’

RAVIN GANDHI, IndianAmerican CEO

WASHINGTON: Indian-American Ravin Gandhi did not expect the kind of backlash that hit him after he wrote an article last week about his disappointment in US President Donald Trump after the Charlottesville clashes, and his resolve to ensure he was a one-term president. The ethnic slurs and insults that followed have still not stopped.

The 44-year-old CEO, in his first interview to an Indian media outlet, reveals why he went public, the backlash and his reaction to it.

Did you expect a backlash when you wrote the Oped in CNBC, saying why you were done with President Trump?

I expected some minor backlash, as that comes with the territory with commenting on politics. However, I did not expect the overall frequency or vitriol...

Did you consider just ignoring them, and moving on? Did you discuss it with family or anyone before going public?

Given that this occurred just after Charlottesville, I knew that I must make this public somehow. My family thought I should keep quiet because of concerns about safety... The fact that the story was picked up is astonishing to me.

Were there any messages of support or commendation?

I have received over 5,000 emails/tweets/Facebook messages of support since Monday, and they are still coming in constantly. Around 99% of them are positive, from both the US and overseas.

Has any of the Indiandescent CEOs reached out?

No.

Did your famous last name — possibly the most recognisable Indian name — come up?

Having the name Gandhi is a blessing and a curse. The name Gandhi is rightfully revered because of his status as a paragon of peace and justice. On the other hand, when I meet people who know nothing about India, the name Gandhi usually just means an “Indian person” and occasionally people are turned off.