Tulsi Gabbard Visits BAPS, Highlights Hindu Heritage

India-West Staff Reporter

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ – Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu elected to the U.S. Congress and President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming Director of National Intelligence, addressed over 1,000 devotees at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham here, on December 15. Her visit marked a significant moment for the Hindu-American community.

Speaking at a cultural program held at the iconic temple, Gabbard expressed her admiration for its intricate craftsmanship and profound spiritual symbolism. “To see the countless hands and hearts that contributed to building this magnificent temple and to walk through its halls, observing sculptures depicting Krishna, Arjuna, and the timeless lessons of the Bhagavad Gita, was deeply inspiring,” she said.

The BAPS organization praised Gabbard’s acknowledgment of shared cultural and spiritual values. In a statement they noted, “As the first Hindu elected to Congress and the incoming Director of National Intelligence, her reflections on how our shared heritage shaped her life of public service resonated deeply.”

During her speech, Gabbard reflected on her spiritual journey and its role in shaping her career. Born in American Samoa and raised in Hawaii, Gabbard’s connection to Hinduism stems from her mother, Carol Porter Gabbard, who embraced the Gaudiya Vaishnav tradition in the 1970s. Though often mistaken for being of Indian descent due to her name and faith, Gabbard has consistently shared how Hindu teachings have guided her public service ethos.

Gabbard is a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve with combat experience in Iraq. She made headlines during her time in Congress for taking her oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita, symbolizing her commitment to spiritual and moral principles. Known for her independent approach to foreign policy, Gabbard has been both praised and criticized for challenging Washington’s conventional views.