Who Is Hindu Priest Rakesh Bhatt Who Opened DNC Day 3 with Chants Of ‘Om Shanti’: Learn Everything About Him
The Democratic National Convention (DNC) is being held at the United Center in Chicago and was attended by thousands of supporters for Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee.
It was the third day of the convention and it began with a spiritual touch when Hindu priest Rakesh Bhatt opened the session with a prayer.
The priest invoked the centuries-old Hindu concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ which translated means that the whole world is one family.
Rakesh Bhatt was asked to the stage to offer prayers with the delegates in attendance.
Bhat recited verses from the holy Hindu scriptures and later also explained their significance in English.
The verses underlined the importance of global unity and peace.
This was followed by the singing of the National anthem.
Pt. Rakesh Bhat chanted the divine “Om Shanti Shanti” and extolled the nation to vote for a leader who conformed to the principles of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’
The convention saw many speakers giving their thoughts which included New Jersey Senator Cory Booker who highlighted the fact that the DNC is all about the spirit of freedom.
Booker also paid homage to New Jersey Representative Bill Pascrell Jr, who passed away earlier in the day.
The main highlight of the evening will be the addresses by Kamala Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and former President Bill Clinton.
Other prominent personalities who addressed the convention on the third day include House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
The DNC is drawing wide coverage from major media houses as the momentum is building up for the Democratic campaign and the major focus this time is on unity, freedom, and the future of America.
Who is Rakesh Bhatt?
Pt. Rakesh Bhat who led the Vedic Prayers at the DNC was born to a dharmic Madhwa Brahmin family in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
He is the senior priest at the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Maryland.
Rakesh Bhatt has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Sanskrit, English and Kannada.
He pursued his Sanskrit studies at Jayachamarajendra College and his English and Kannada degrees at Osteen College in Bengaluru.
Rakesh Bhatt studied Rig Veda and Tantrasaara and his Guru or spiritual teacher was Pejavar Swamiji, at Udupi Ashta Matha.
After his training, he served as a priest at Udupi Ashta Matha, Badrinath Temple and Raghavendra Swamy Koil in Salem.
He moved to the US in 2013 and has been serving as a Hindu priest at the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple (SSVT).
