New Delhi: Chants of Om Shanti Shanti filled the air as Hindu priest Rakesh Bhatt commenced day 3 of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago with a Vedic prayer. The ceremony, held at the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Maryland, aimed to invoke blessings for a united and harmonious nation.Rakesh Bhatt emphasized the importance of national unity, saying, Even if we have differences, when it comes to the nation, we must be united. The priest continued with a prayer, Let our minds think together. Let our hearts beat as one. All for the betterment of society. May this unity empower us to make our nation proud.Democratic National Convention showcases a Hindu Prayer on stage for the first time ever.Rakesh Bhatt, a Hindu priest with Sri Shiva Vishnu Temple, delivers invocation in Sanskrit & English at the start of Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago.“Even if we have… pic.twitter.com/xKM4d96e8a— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) August 22, 2024Kamala Harris takes pride in her roots!In his address preceding Kamala Harris major appearance, Bhatt urged Americans to choose a leader who embodies the Vedic principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the belief that the whole world is one family. We are one universal family. Truth is our foundation and always prevails. Lead us from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, and from death to immortality. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti, he recited.Rakesh Bhatt, a Madhwa priest originally from Bengaluru, is an accomplished scholar trained in the Rig Veda and Tantrasaara (Maadhva) Agama under his guru, Pejavar Swamiji of Udupi Ashta Matha. Fluent in multiple languages including Sanskrit, Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Tulu, Bhatt holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in Sanskrit, English, and Kannada. He has been serving at the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple since July 2013.Ajay Bhutoria, Deputy National Finance Chair of the Democratic Party, praised Bhatts prayer, noting, This moment reflects the Democratic Partys commitment to inclusivity and diversity, highlighting the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Indian American community. The convention sets the stage for Kamala Harris, who is set to officially become the Democratic nominee in hopes of unseating Donald Trump in the upcoming US presidential elections.
