Hindu Prayers to Open Washoe County Board Meeting

Rajan Zed to Lead Historic Hindu Invocation in Nevada’s Washoe County

In a first, Washoe County Board of County Commissioners in Nevada will commence its session on February 20 with Hindu prayers, led by distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed.

WORLD DESK – On February 20, a landmark event will take place at the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners in Nevada, USA, as the day will begin with Hindu prayers.

Rajan Zed, a renowned Hindu statesman, will deliver the invocation, reciting hymns from the world’s oldest scripture still in use.

The prayers will be delivered in Sanskrit, Hinduism’s sacred language and the root of Indo-European languages, followed by an English interpretation.

Zed, President of the Universal Society of Hinduism, will recite from the Rig-Veda, Upanishads, and Bhagavad-Gita, concluding and starting the prayer with “Om”, the mystical syllable signifying the universe.

He will also recite from the Brahadaranyakopanishad, translating it as a call from unreal to real, from darkness to light, and from death to immortality, and from Bhagavad-Gita, urging commissioners to prioritize the welfare of others.

Recognized as a global Hindu and interfaith leader, Zed has been honored with the World Interfaith Leader Award and holds positions including Senior Fellow and Religious Advisor to the Foundation for Religious Diplomacy.

He has contributed to religious discussions in prestigious platforms, including The Washington Post’s “On Faith” and the Reno Gazette-Journal’s “Faith Forum”.

Zed’s efforts in promoting Hindu issues and interfaith dialogue include meetings with the President of the European Parliament and participation in the World Economic Forum.

Hinduism, the world’s oldest and third-largest religion with around 1.2 billion followers, aims for moksh or liberation.

The USA is home to about three million Hindus.

Washoe County, established in 1861 and Nevada’s second-most populous county, is committed to fostering a safe, secure, and healthy community.