In a world that often seems divided by politics, religion, and culture, there occasionally rises a voice that reminds us of our shared humanity. That voice recently belonged to Rakesh Bhatt, a senior Hindu priest at the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Maryland. His prayer at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on August 21, 2024, was not just a ritualistic invocation—it was a timeless message of peace, unity, and harmony rooted in ancient Vedic traditions.
Rakesh Bhatt: A Journey from Karnataka to Maryland
Born in Bengaluru, Karnataka, into a deeply spiritual Madhwa Brahmin family, Rakesh Bhatt was immersed in the study of Hindu scriptures from a young age. His guru, the revered Pejavar Swamiji of Udupi Ashta Matha, trained him in the Rig Veda and the Tantrasaara (Maadhva) Agama, disciplines that demand extraordinary dedication and discipline.
His academic journey was equally remarkable. He pursued Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Sanskrit, English, and Kannada—earning credentials from Osteen College in Bengaluru and Jayachamarajendra College. Recognized for his profound scholarship, he was conferred the honor of “Satshastra Vidwan” by prestigious institutions including Mantralaya and Udupi Ashta Matha.
Before making Maryland his home, Bhatt served in renowned temples across India—including Udupi Ashta Matha, the sacred town of Badrinath, and the Raghavendra Swami Koil in Salem. In July 2013, he joined the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple (SSVT) in Maryland, one of the largest Hindu temples in the United States, where he continues to guide the community with humility, wisdom, and devotion.
The Voice of Unity at the Democratic National Convention
When the Democratic National Convention convened in Chicago in 2024, the organizers invited Rakesh Bhatt to deliver the opening prayer. What unfolded was a rare and historic moment—a Hindu priest chanting Sanskrit verses in front of a diverse audience of political leaders, delegates, and global media.
His prayer centered around the profound Vedic principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—translated as “the whole world is one family.”
“Even if we have differences, when it comes to the nation, we have to be united. 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,” said Bhatt, translating his Sanskrit chants into English for the audience.
With this prayer, Rakesh Bhatt emphasized themes of peace, justice, and collective strength, bridging Eastern philosophy with Western democratic ideals. His words resonated deeply, reminding everyone that spirituality can transcend politics and connect people at the level of the soul.
Rakesh Bhatt: A Scholar, a Priest, and a Messenger of Peace
What makes Rakesh Bhatt exceptional is not just his knowledge of Vedic scriptures but also his ability to communicate timeless truths to modern audiences. Fluent in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, English, Tulu, and Sanskrit, he effortlessly bridges cultural and linguistic divides.
Through decades of service, he has demonstrated that the role of a priest extends far beyond rituals—it is about preserving values, guiding communities, and sharing wisdom that unites rather than divides.
At the DNC, his invocation was followed by the singing of the American national anthem, creating a symbolic fusion of ancient spirituality and modern democracy. His words—“Lead us from unreal to real, from darkness to light, and from death to immortality. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti”—left a lasting impact on all present.
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