 "Rakesh Bhatt is a priest at the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Maryland. News18")
The third day of the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday started uniquely — with the chants of Vedic prayer.
Hindu priest Rakesh Bhatt brought a spiritual touch to the political convention held at the United Centre in Chicago.
Rallying support for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, Pandit Bhatt called for unity and invoked the ancient Indian concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning “the whole world is one family.”
Here’s all we know about him.
Who is Pandit Rakesh Bhatt?
Born into a traditional Madhwa Brahim family in Bengaluru, Pandit Bhatt has a strong background in religious studies and rituals.
He received special training in Tantrasaara (Maadhva) Agama and the Rig Veda from Pejavar Swamiji of Udupi Ashta Matha, his guru, as per Hindustan Times.
The senior Hindu priest speaks fluent Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, English, and Hindu.
According to the report, he holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Sanskrit, English, and Kannada. He received his education at Jayachamarajendra College in Sanskrit and Osteen College in Bengaluru, where he majored in Kannada and English.
He was awarded the title of “Satshastra Vidwan” by Mantralaya, Uttaradi Matha, and Udupi Ashta Matha, among other institutions, reported The Times of India.
Prior to his July 2013 appointment at the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Maryland, Pandit Bhatt was employed by Udupi Ashta Matha and had temporary positions at Badrinath and Salem Raghavendra Swami Koil.
During his recent appearance at the Democratic National Convention, the Indian-American priest sought blessings for a united country, by saying, “Even if we have differences when it comes to the nation, we have to be united and it moves us towards justice for all."
He continued, “We should be in unison. Let our minds think together. Let our hearts beat as one. All the betterment of society. May this make us powerful so we can unite and make our nation proud. We are only a universal family. The truth is our foundation and always prevails. Lead us from unreal to real, from darkness to the light, and from death to immortality. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.”
Ajay Jain Bhutoria, Deputy National Finance Chair of the Democratic Party, shared a video of Bhatt on X and captioned it, “Hindu prayer at the DNC today is a significant moment, showcasing the Democratic Party’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. It is heartening to see the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of the Indian American community being honoured on such a prominent stage.”
Bhutoria added in the thread, “It is a proud day for Indian Americans and all who cherish the diversity of faiths that make up the American tapestry. This act of prayer is not just a religious observance; it is a celebration of the unity that transcends cultural and religious boundaries.”
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