Pandit Rakesh Bhatt, a leading Hindu priest from Bengaluru did provide a spiritual touch to the third day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) held at the United Center in Chicago. A video posted by an X user of a Hindu priest reciting Vedic prayers at DNC.
Messages of Unity and Justice
On this great occasion aimed at drumming support for Kamala Harris’s bid for presidency under the Democratic Party, Pandit Bhatt facilitated with a traditional Hindu prayer invoking ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ -an ancient Indian concept – which means “the whole world is one family.”
“Though we have differences, as far as country is concerned it should unite us together and take us towards justice for all. Do it together. Let our minds think alike. Let our hearts beat as one. All about improving society. Let this make us strong so that we can all come together to make our country proud”, he translated in English after chanting the Vedic Mantra.
Pandit Bhatt’s contribution to the convention took place after hitting of the gavel where he was called upon to lead delegates in prayer. He chanted verses in Sanskrit then provided English translations highlighting themes of global peace and harmony. After this religious act, national song was sung to create unity among those present from different parts of the world.
Educational and Religious Background
Coming from Madhwa Brahmin family with strong background in studies and rituals on religion, Pandit Bhatt has been born into these customs. His training came under his Guru Sri Pejavar Swamiji of Udupi Ashta Matha where he studied Tantrasaara (Maadhva) Agama and Rig Veda.
According to reports, Bhatt holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Sanskrit, English and Kannada languages respectively. He studied Sanskrit at Jayachamarajendra College, whilst at Osteen College in Bengaluru where he specialized in English and Kannada. For his academic achievements, he has been conferr with “Satshastra Vidwan” by various institutions like Mantralaya, Uttaradi Matha, Udupi Ashta Matha among others.
Before joining Sri Siva Vishnu Temple (SSVT) in July 2013, Pandit Bhatt served at Udupi Ashta Matha and had temporary assignments at Salem Raghavendra Swami Koil and Badrinath. The fact that he is well-verse in languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, English Tulu and Sanskrit depicts. How much he knows about different cultures and religions.
