Chants of “Om Shanti Shanti” reverberated across the hall as a Hindu priest opened proceedings on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Priest Rakesh Bhatt of the Sri Shiv Vishnu Temple in Maryland recited Vedic prayers seeking blessings for a united nation.
“Even if we have differences, when it comes to the nation we have to be united,” Mr Bhatt said.
“We must be united. Our minds must think together. Our hearts must beat together. All this must happen for the betterment of society. This must make us strong so that we can unite and make our country proud,” the senior Hindu priest said.
Mr. Rakesh Bhatt, a Hindu priest from the Sri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Md., offered a prayer in Sanskrit and English at the start of the third night of the DNC convention in Chicago: “Even though we have differences…we must be united and that leads us to justice for all. We are a universal family.” pic.twitter.com/i2rsqSWhq0
— Neeraj Warikoo (@nwarikoo) August 22, 2024
Speaking on stage ahead of Kamala Harris’s big night on Thursday, Mr Bhatt urged America to elect a leader who believes in the Vedic concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the whole world is one family).
“We are a universal family. Truth is our foundation and always triumphs. Lead us from untruth to truth, from darkness to light and from death to immortality. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,” Mr Bhatt said.
Rakesh Bhatt is a Madhva priest who moved to the US from Bangalore. He trained in the Rigveda and Tantrasara (Madhva) Agamas under his guru, Pejawar Swamiji of Udupi Ashta Matha.
Mr Bhatt, who speaks Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Tulu fluently, has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in three languages: Sanskrit, English and Kannada. He obtained his English and Kannada degrees from Osteen College, Bengaluru and Sanskrit degree from Jayachamarajendra College. After spending some time at Udupi Ashta Matha, he worked for some time at Badrinath and Raghavendra Swamy Koil, Salem before joining Sri Sri Vishnu Mandir in July 2013.
“Rakesh Bhatt’s Hindu prayer at the DNC today is an important moment that demonstrates the Democratic Party’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity,” said Ajay Bhutoria, deputy national finance chair of the Democratic Party.
Mr. Bhutoria said, “It is encouraging to see the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of the Indian American community being honored at such a prominent platform. This moment reflects the growing influence and recognition of our community within American society.”
The Hindu prayer at the DNC convention today is a significant moment, reflecting the Democratic Party’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. It is encouraging to see the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of the Indian American community honored on such a prominent platform. pic.twitter.com/6wNsnthmbd
— Ajay Jain Bhutoria (@ajainb) August 22, 2024
The Democrats will officially hand over the reins to 59-year-old Kamala Harris as they hope to defeat Donald Trump in the US presidential elections later this year.
Polls show the contest is still close, but Harris is slightly ahead — a remarkable development, considering that just a month ago Trump seemed to have a strong lead over Joe Biden.
