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Hindu Prayer for Peace and Unity Offered at White House Event

A Hindu prayer for peace and unity was delivered at the White House during the National Day of Prayer, organized by BAPS. The invocation included chants of "Shanti Ram" and prayers for universal peace across sky, earth, water, and all beings. The speaker concluded by thanking on behalf of BAPS and their Guru, Guru Hari Mohan Swami Maharaj. President Trump's message honored America's tradition of prayer and faith, referencing the country's founding and 250th anniversary.

Key Points: Hindu Prayer for Peace at White House National Day of Prayer

  • Hindu prayer for peace and unity delivered at White House National Day of Prayer
  • BAPS volunteer led invocation with chants of "Shanti Ram" and universal peace
  • Prayer emphasized peace across elements, nature, and individual well-being
  • President Trump's message honored America's tradition of prayer and faith
3 min read

Hindu prayer for peace, unity offered at White House event

A Hindu prayer for peace and unity was delivered at the White House during the National Day of Prayer, highlighting religious diversity ahead of America's 250th year.

"May there be peace in the sky and in space. May there be peace across earth, in water, and for all beings. - BAPS volunteer"

Washington, May 9

A Hindu prayer for peace and unity was delivered at the White House during the National Day of Prayer, marking a moment of religious diversity as the United States approaches its 250th year.

A volunteer from the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) participated in the event, offering prayers rooted in Hindu tradition, BAPS said.

"I request that we all please close your eyes and fold your hands," the volunteer said, opening the prayer with a call for reflection.

The invocation continued with repeated chants: "Shanti Ram Shanti Ram Shanti Ram Shanti Ram Shanti Ram Shanti Ram Shanti Ram Shanti Ram Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Sushanti Bhavatu."

The prayer emphasised universal peace across all elements of existence.

"May there be peace in the sky and in space," the speaker said.

"May there be peace across earth, in water, and for all beings. May there be peace throughout nature and in the environment. May the peace of heaven spread throughout the universe."

The prayer also extended to individual well-being, stating: "May we all have peace physically, mentally, and spiritually."

The speaker concluded by expressing gratitude on behalf of the organisation.

"On behalf of the entire BAPS Sovereign Fellowship, The Swaminarayan Ukshara County in Robbinsville, New Jersey, and our Guru, Guru Hari Mohan Swami Maharaj, we thank you for this opportunity," the volunteer said.

In a post on social media, BAPS Public Affairs said it was "honored to participate" in the National Day of Prayer at the White House. The organisation added that "moments like these remind us that faith, service, and shared values continue to strengthen our communities."

On National Day of Prayer, President Trump earlier said in his message: "This National Day of Prayer, we honor America's enduring tradition of prayer, faith, and trust in Almighty God. And as we celebrate 250 glorious years of American independence, we pledge to never forget the countless blessings God has bestowed upon our people and our country."

"From the cradles of civilization in the ancient world to the Christian empires of medieval Europe and the miraculous founding of our own Nation, the entire Western experience has been connected by a golden thread of devotion to God. America's faith was seen most prominently during our struggle for independence, when the Second Continental Congress declared a day of 'humiliation, fasting, and prayer' to seek God's providence and ask for His protection and blessing in their fight for freedom, virtue, and posterity," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
"Shanti Ram..." brings me to tears! This is exactly why Sanatana Dharma's message of universal peace matters. Proud to see BAPS represent us at such a high level. 🇮🇳🕉️
V
Vikram M
Mixed feelings. Great that Hindu prayers are recognized, but Trump's speech focused so much on "Christian empires" that it felt like Indian traditions were just token inclusion. Still, the prayer itself was soulful. BAPS does excellent humanitarian work globally.
R
Rohit P
This is huge for Indian diaspora! When my grandparents came to America in the 70s, they never imagined a Hindu prayer at the White House. The "fold your hands" request actually reminds me of our namaste greeting back home. Progress feels real. 🙏
K
Kavya N
The prayer for peace "in water, for all beings" resonates so deeply with our Hindu ecological traditions. But I worry that such moments might get politicized. Let's just appreciate the spiritual unity and hope it inspires real world peace actions, not just symbolic gestures.
S
Siddharth J
As an Indian-American, I'm proud but also mindful. The US is still predominantly Christian, and while this inclusion is good, let's not pretend it erases religious tensions elsewhere. Still, hearing "Om Shanti" in the White House? Absolutely surreal and heartwarming.

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