First-Ever Hindu Invocations to Grace Idaho City Councils and County Boards
Meridian, ID – In a historic first, Hindu opening prayers will be delivered in the coming months in city councils and county boards across Idaho. This marks a significant step towards inclusivity and representation of the diverse religious landscape in the state.
Rajan Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, will lead these invocations. He plans to recite verses from ancient Sanskrit scriptures, including the Rig-Veda, Upanishads, and Bhagavad-Gita. Each recitation will be followed by an English interpretation for the audience.
The chosen verses focus on universal themes that resonate across faiths. One such verse, from the Brahadaranyakopanishad, translates to “Lead us from the unreal to the real, Lead us from darkness to light, and Lead us from death to immortality.” Another, from the Bhagavad-Gita, is expected to remind officials to prioritize the well-being of their communities.
Highly respected in the interfaith community, Zed holds prestigious positions like Senior Fellow and Religious Advisor to the Foundation for Religious Diplomacy. His dedication to fostering understanding and harmony between different faiths is well-recognized.
As the world’s third-largest religion with over 1.2 billion followers, Hinduism has a growing presence in the United States. There are an estimated three million Hindus residing in the country.
This inclusion of Hindu prayers in Idaho government proceedings signifies a positive step towards acknowledging the diversity of religious beliefs within the state and fostering a more inclusive environment for all.