Nikki Haley Shares Tragic Loss: Father Prof. Ajit Singh Randhawa Passes Away On June 16

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley announced on Sunday that her father, Professor Ajit Singh Randhawa, passed away on June 16, as shared in a social media post.

He was described by Haley as the "smartest, sweetest, kindest" person alongside a heartfelt photo of her hugging her late father.

Nikki Haley Shares Tragic Loss - Here's what she said

Earlier in March, the first Indian American to serve in a presidential cabinet announced her departure from the Republican presidential race, wishing Donald Trump 'good luck.' The announcement of her father's death was made by Nikki Haley on social media platform on the father's day.

Taking to X, formerly known as twitter, Haley wrote, "My heart is heavy knowing he is gone," expressed Haley on X (formerly Twitter.) "He taught his kids the importance of faith, hard work, and grace. He was an amazing husband of 64 years, a loving grandfather and great-grandfather, and the best father to his four children. He was such a blessing to all of us. Happy Father's Day Dad. We will miss you dearly," she reflected on his career as a professor and a family man.

Nikki Haley's father had previously been diagnosed with cancer. Both of Haley's parents, who were affluent natives of India, relocated to rural South Carolina in 1969.

Who was Prof Ajit Singh Randhawa?

Upon immigrating to the US, a new career was found by Professor Ajit Singh Randhawa as a professor at Voorhees College. His wife, Raj Kaur Randhawa, also entered the workforce, initially teaching sixth-grade social studies before transitioning into entrepreneurship. Her gift shop eventually grew into a successful million-dollar fashion boutique, as

Throughout Nikki Haley's political career, unwavering support was provided by her father. He was present when her presidential campaign was launched in Charleston last year, marking a pivotal moment in her pursuit of the White House. In January, her campaign was paused so that she could return to South Carolina to visit her father, who was battling cancer. In March, her presidential bid was officially ended.

"The time has now come to suspend my campaign. I said I wanted Americans to have their voices heard. I have done that. I have no regrets," Haley announced while suspending her campaign. "It is now up to Donald Trump to earn the vote - from those in our party and beyond it, who did not support him. And I hope he does that," she added.