First Hindu Elected to U.S. Congress to Take Oath on Bhagavad Gita Instead of Bible
- Religion Today
- Published Nov 21, 2012
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The first Hindu elected to the United States Congress is expected to take oath on the Bhagavad Gita instead of the Bible, the Christian News Network reports. Tulsi Gabbard, 31, a Democrat, won her bid for election in a heavily Democratic area of Hawaii earlier this month and will be representing Hawaii's second district in Congress beginning in January. However, instead of taking oath on the Bible as many elected officials do, Gabbard is slated to swear on the Bhagavad Gita, a compilation of Hindu writings which she states is one of her favorite Hindu texts. Following her successful bid for office, Gabbard stated that she hoped her presence in Congress would cause others to understand and embrace Hinduism in America.