During a Monday briefing Tulsi Gabbard displayed how the Bhagavad Gita shaped her both professionally and personally as she took office as US Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard has advocated for the Hindu holy scripture since her early years because Krishna’s dialogue with Arjuna serves as her guiding principle when she faces critical situations both in battle zones and now in her role as a national intelligence director.
The first Hindu member of the US Congress Gabbard maintains a strong bond with the sacred ancient Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita. She motivated Hindu students to study Bhakti Yoga and Karma Yoga teachings from the Gita during 2020 because service to society leads to real accomplishment. She performs meditation each day together with yoga and she reads the Gita.
In an interview with ANI on Monday, Gabbard took time out from a schedule packed with back- to- back meetings to speak about her spiritual practice emphaisisng how her personal relationship with God is the centre of her life.
On how her spiritual journey and being Hindu has helped her break all glass ceilings, Gabbard said, “Well, my own personal spiritual practice, my personal relationship with God is the centre of my life and I do my very best every day to live a life that is pleasing to God and what better way to do that and to do my best to be of service to all of God’s children. And so in different times of my life, whether serving in war zones in different parts of the world or the challenges that we face now, it is Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita that I turn to in the best of times and the worst of times and continuously learn critical lessons from Krishna to Arjuna that give me strength, that give me peace, that give me great comfort through all of the days.”
She also expressed happiness about being in India and talked about her love for Indian food. Gabbard said, “Let me just say I love so much about India. I always feel at home when I’m here. The people are so welcoming and kind and the food is always delicious. The Dal Makhani and anything with fresh paneer is delicious.” Gabbard, known for her exemplary service in the US Army Reserve, has had a distinguished career spanning over two decades. Rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, she has been recognized for her leadership, dedication, and strategic acumen.
She arrived in India as a part of her multi-nation visit. It is her first visit to India after assuming office as the US Director of National Intelligence. The Asia leg of Gabbard’s trip will culminate in an address on March 18 at the Raisina Dialogue.
Her visit to India follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US in February this year. During his visit, PM Modi met with Gabbard and called her a “strong votary” of the India-US friendship. Gabbard also called it an “honour” to welcome PM Modi and said she looks forward to continuing to strengthen the US-India friendship.
As per the official website of Raisina Dialogue, Gabbard will participate in a keynote conversation with Samir Saran, President, ORF. The 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, being co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), will commence today.
