Suhas Subramaniam, the first Indian-origin MP to reach the US Parliament from the states on the East Coast of America, took oath on the Bhagavad Gita. With this, he became possibly the only MP to do so on a Hindu scripture.
Last Friday was a historic day for Indian Americans. In fact, six Indian-origin leaders were sworn in as members of the US Parliament. This is the first time that six Indian-Americans were sworn in together in the US Parliament’s House of Representatives, the lower house. During this, MP Suhas Subramaniam took oath with his hand on the Bhagavad Gita. While MP Raja Krishnamurthy read an excerpt from the Bhagavad Gita during a program.
These people have won the race:
Suhas Subramaniam, Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamurthy, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal and Shri Thanedar have reached the US House. Dr. Ami Bera is the most senior Indian American MP representing the seventh parliamentary district of California since 2013.
Suhas Subramaniam took oath on Bhagavad Gita
Suhas Subramaniam, the first Indian-origin MP to reach the US Parliament from the states on the East Coast of America, took oath on the Bhagavad Gita. With this, he became possibly the only MP to do so on a Hindu scripture. His mother, who came to America through Dallas airport, saw him taking oath on the Gita.
Notably, 43-year-old Tulsi Gabbard was the first Hindu American member of the US House of Representatives. She first took oath on the Gita on January 3, 2013. She represented Hawaii’s second parliamentary district. Gabbard, who was the first person to convert to Hinduism as a teenager, is now nominated for the post of National Intelligence Director.
After taking the oath, Suhas Subramaniam said, ‘My parents saw me being sworn in as the first Indian American and South Asian MP from Virginia. If you had told my mother when I landed at Dallas airport from India that her son would represent Virginia in the future, she probably would not have believed it, but my story is the same hope that America holds. I am proud that I am the first, but not the last, because I represent the 10th district of Virginia.’
Krishnamurthy read an excerpt from the Gita
MP Raja Krishnamoorthi read a passage from the Bhagavad Gita during a bi-party interfaith prayer meeting. The service was held at the start of the first day of the 119th House.
According to a press release issued by Raja Krishnamoorthi’s office, he was the only Hindu representative to speak at the service. He said, ‘A few years ago, Hindu Americans were not included in prayer services in our nation’s capital. I am grateful that we now have a place and I can play a role in sharing the beautiful blessings of Hinduism with my colleagues, whether Republican or Democrat. Together we prayed for peace and prosperity, so that we are better prepared to face our country’s biggest challenges.’
Congressman Krishnamoorthi has been representing Illinois’ 8th district since 2017. He was sworn in as part of the 119th House on Friday. He wrote in an Instagram post, “Serving our communities has been the honor of a lifetime. Last week, when I was sworn in as their representative in Washington for another term, I am extremely grateful and excited for the opportunities ahead.”
