Rana Singh Sodhi is a well-known community activist and Sikh leader. Following the death of his brother, Balbir Singh Sodhi, America’s first post 9/11 hate crime victim, Mr. Sodhi made it his mission to prevent further hate-related crimes in the community. Balbir Singh Sodhi was gunned down in Mesa, Arizona based solely on his appearance as a Sikh American. His death motivated Mr. Sodhi to take an active role in eradicating ignorance and he has shared his story in an effort to prevent further violence rooted from stereotypes.
In 2007, Rana Sodhi was featured in a documentary on PBS called “A Dream in Doubt”. This film showcased the daily horrors Rana and the Sikh community experience as misunderstood Americans. In November 2009, Mr. Sodhi was invited to attend the First State Dinner with President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. He was invited back to the White House in 2014 to speak at the 5th Anniversary of the Shepard Byrd Hate Crime Bill.
Rana Singh Sodhi takes on many leadership roles in his local and national community. He is the Arizona director of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE). SCORE is based in Washington D.C. and has represented Sikhs on many national and international platforms. He is the Arizona director for the National Sikh Campaign (NSC) as well as an active member of the Arizona based Global Sikh Alliance. He is an ambassador for The Revolutionary Love Project that encourages a nation of peace and diversity.
Currently, Mr. Sodhi is a member of the Sikh Advisory Council for the Phoenix Police Department as well as a key diversity speaker for the Department of Justice.
Mr. Sodhi has been recognized for his community work with multiple awards. In 2010, he received the Anti-Defamation League Shelly K. Award in Washington D.C. and the Anti-Defamation League Al Brook Leadership Award in Phoenix. In 2013, he received the honorable Martin Luther King, Jr. Living the Dream Award presented in Phoenix. In the Spring of 2015, Rana Sodhi received the Arizona Interfaith Movement, Arizona Peace Award. In addition, he has received the SALDEF Community Empowerment Award (2011), the Indo-American Foundation Special Appreciation Award in Phoenix (2011), and the Asian Pacific Activity in Action Award (2012).
Rana Sodhi spoke at the 15th year commensuration of Balbir Singh Sodhi. This event was covered on the radio station, KJZZ, as well as other local news channels. Shortly after, Mr. Sodhi had a full conversation with Frank Roque, who committed the first known hate-driven murder after 9/11. This powerful conversation was shown across the globe through the Public Radio International (PRI). Most recently, in September 2022, Mr. Sodhi was invited by President Joe Biden to attend the United We Stand Summit at the White House. The President recognized him for his ongoing involvement in the community.
Currently, Mr. Sodhi resides in Mesa, Arizona with his wife and three children. He is an entrepreneur and the owner of an Indian restaurant called Guru Palace Cuisine of India.