Nikki Haley shared the sad news on Sunday that her father, Ajit Singh Randhawa, has passed away. This announcement coincided with Father’s Day celebrations in the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom. In a heartfelt post, Haley described her father as the smartest, sweetest, kindest, and most decent man she had ever known. She expressed heavy sorrow at his passing, highlighting the values of faith, hard work, and grace that he instilled in his children.
While Haley did not reveal her father’s age or cause of death, it was reported that he had been battling an unspecified type of cancer. Randhawa, originally from India’s Punjab region, pursued a Ph.D. at the University of British Columbia in Canada before moving to South Carolina in 1969 to teach at Voorhees College. Haley, who later became the governor of the state, was born three years after her father settled in South Carolina.
The bond between Haley and her father was evident in the affectionate words she shared, emphasizing his role as a devoted husband of 64 years, a loving grandfather and great grandfather, and the best father to his four children. Despite facing political challenges, such as dropping out of the 2024 presidential race to clear the path for former President Trump, Haley always made time to be by her father’s side, even temporarily leaving the campaign trail to visit him in the hospital.
As a prominent figure in politics and diplomacy, Haley has been known for her strong leadership and unwavering dedication to public service. Her father’s influence on her life and career is undeniable, shaping her values and commitment to making a difference in the world. The legacy of Ajit Singh Randhawa lives on not only in his family but also in the values he imparted to future generations through his daughter, Nikki Haley.