Washington: A Hindu priest opened the third day of the much-awaited Democratic National Convention (DNC) with a traditional Vedic prayer and chants on ‘Om Shanti Om,’ seeking blessing for a united country. The priest identified as Rakesh Bhatt brought a spiritual energy to the event held in Chicago. Rallying support for Kamala, the senior Hindu priest invoked the infamous and ancient Indian concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning “the whole world is one family.”
Who is Rakesh Bhatt?
Born in a traditional Madhwa Brahmin family in Karnataka’s Bengaluru, Pandit Rakesh Bhatt is currently a senior priest at the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Maryland, US. He is fluent in seven languages – Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Tulu, English and Sanskrit.
Rakesh pursued his education with a strong focus on religious texts and languages. He has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Sanskrit, English and Kannada in Bengaluru.
Bhatt is trained under his guru, Pejavar Swamiji, at Udupi Ashta Matha, studying the Rig Veda and Tantrasaara.
He was honoured with “Satshastra Vidwan” from Mantralaya, Uttaradi Matha, and Udupi Ashta Matha, recognising his expertise as a Hindu priest and spiritual leader.
After completion of his training, he also served at the Udupi Ashta Matha, Badrinath Temple and Raghavendra Swami Koil in Salem.
later in 2013, he moved the US and then joined the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple (SSVT) as a Hindu priest. At the SSVT temple, he has led ceremonies, offered spiritual guidance, and nurtured a sense of community among the members.
Meet Rakesh Bhatt: The Hindu Priest Who Led The Vedic Prayers at Democrat Event world-news World News | Latest International News | Global World News | World News Today
