Maryland Priest Leads Hindu Prayer At Dem Convention

India-West News Desk

CHICAGO, IL – A Hindu priest from Maryland, Rakesh Bhatt, on the third day of the Democratic National Convention, led Hindu prayers. Bhatt, a senior priest from the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, initiated the proceedings on August 21 urging Americans to embrace unity and the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ meaning ‘the whole world is one family.’

During the prayers, Bhatt stated, “Even if we have differences, when it comes to the nation, we have to be united.” He added, “Let our minds think together. Let our hearts beat as one. All for the betterment of society. May this make us powerful so we can unite and make our nation proud.”

He highlighted the need for a leader who embodies these values, invoking the Vedic teachings of universal kinship and truth. He concluded his prayers with the words, “We are one universal family. 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.”

Originally from Bengaluru, Bhatt is a Madhwa priest trained in Rig Veda and Tantrasaara (Maadhva) Agama from Udupi Ashta Matha in Karnataka. His academic background includes degrees in English, Kannada and Sanskrit. Before joining the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in July 2013, he served at the Badrinath Temple and Raghavendra Swami Koil in Salem.