Who is Rakesh Bhatt, the Hindu priest who opened day 3 of Democratic National Convention with Vedic prayers?

The Democratic National Convention in Chicago, held ahead of the US presidential elections in November, witnessed a unique event on Wednesday. Day three of the DNC started with Vedic prayers, with a Hindu priest from the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Maryland becoming the first speaker of the day.

The priest, Rakesh Bhatt, was invited to the stage along with Bishop Leah Daughtry of The House of the Lord Church to start the proceedings of the final day of the DNC.

Democratic National Convention showcases a Hindu Prayer on stage for the first time ever from Sri Rakesh Bhatt of Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Maryland #DNC2024 #Election2024 pic.twitter.com/cpavw8jwB2

¡ª Diya TV (@DiyaTV) August 21, 2024

'We have to be united'

Bhatt opened the prayers with "Om Shanti" and chanted a Vedic prayer seeking blessings for a united country.

¡°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 said.

CREDIT: SSVT

¡°We should be in unison. 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,¡± the senior Hindu priest said.

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'One universal family'

¡°We are one universal family. Truth is our foundation and always prevails. Lead us from unreal to real, from darkness to light, and from death to immortality. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,¡± Bhatt said.

'Significant moment for Indian American community'

"Rakesh Bhatt's Hindu prayer at the DNC today is a significant moment, showcasing the Democratic Party's commitment to inclusivity and diversity," Deputy National Finance Chair of the Democratic Party, Ajay Bhutoria, said.

Hindu prayer at the DNC Convention 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 honored on such a prominent stage pic.twitter.com/6wNsnthmbd

¡ª Ajay Jain Bhutoria (@ajainb) August 22, 2024

Who is Rakesh Bhatt?

Bhatt, who hails from Bengaluru, has been serving as the priest at the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Maryland. He is a Madhwa priest trained in Rig Veda and Tantrasaara (Maadhva) Agama under his guru, Pejavar Swamiji of Udupi Ashta Matha.

CREDIT: SSVT

According to reports, Bhatt, who holds both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Sanskrit, English, and Kannada, is fluent in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, English, Tulu, and Sanskrit.

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