[ 1819News ] Alabama House of Representatives kicks off National Day of Prayer with Hindu prayer and scripture recitation, which was cut short, according to Hindu statesman

The Alabama House of Representatives began its legislative day on the National Day of Prayer with a Hindu prayer, followed by similar displays from lawmakers from various Christian denominations. The Hindu prayer was led by Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, who was a guest of State Rep. Jeremy Gray (D-Opelika), and was interpreted by Arpita Patel, a guest of State Rep. Mike Shaw (R-Hoover).

The prayer emphasized the fundamental principle of Hinduism, ahimsa, meaning non-violence in thought, speech, and action. Zed planned to read from the Rig Veda, an ancient Indian collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns, The Bhagavad Gita, and other Hindu scriptures. After the Hindu prayer concluded, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) allowed prayers from other House members from different denominations.

However, Zed later claimed that his planned prayer was cut short to make time for the other prayers. This event was reportedly the first Hindu prayer since the creation of the Alabama legislature in 1818.

Source: Conversation with Bing
Alabama House of Representatives kicks off National Day of Prayer with ….
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