In Chicago, the third day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) started with the spiritual chants of ‘Om Shanti Om’ as Rakesh Bhatt, a Hindu priest from the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Maryland.
The invocation was delivered both in Sanskrit and English which set a tone of unity. Rakesh Bhatt, a senior Madhwa priest with roots in Vedic traditions started the prayer by seeking blessings for a united America, focusing the importance of harmony despite differences.
Bhatt said, ‘Even if we have differences, when it come s to the nation, we have to be united’. He further 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’.
His prayer also highlighted the ancient vedic concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. He concluded, ‘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’.
Bhatt is originally from Bengaluru, he is trained in the Rig Veda and Tantrasaara Agama under the guidance of Pejavar Swamiji of Udupi Ashta Matha. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Sanskrit, English and Kannada, and he has served in various religious capacities across India before moving to the United States.
His fluency in Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Tulu has enabled them to bridge cultural gaps and bring the spiritual traditions of India to the audience in America.
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