Nevada clergy endorses Hindu chaplain Zed for prestigious award

Updates:

Nevada clergy endorses Hindu chaplain Zed for prestigious award (9 Sept 07)
California Senate opens with Hindu prayer (29 Aug 07)

Reno (Nevada): Nevada Clergy Association has recommended famous Hindu chaplain of Nevada, Rajan Zed, for Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the most prestigious award presented by President of India to eminent overseas Indians.

Rajan Zed read the historical first Hindu prayer in United States Senate in Washington DC in July last since its formation in 1789.

In a letter to Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in New Delhi, Reverend Gene Savoy Jr., President of the Association, wrote, "…Zed has done a lot of work in the area of interfaith dialogue in northwestern Nevada and adjoining California.

Nevada Clergy Association is composed of priests/pastors/ministers/etc. of Christian (various denominations), Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Bahai, Native American, etc., religions in Nevada state of United States of America (USA).

Some other organizations have already recommended Rajan Zed for this award, including prayer and peace circle, India Heritage Panel, etc. Washoe County presented him a resolution recognizing and commending for his dedication to the citizens of the county.

Zed was given Award of Excellence by Hindu Sangathan Diwas Committee at New York Ganesha Temple and the plaque said, "in recognition of selfless and invaluable service to Hindu Sanatan Dharma and Hindus in America".

Source:

http://in.news.yahoo.com/070907/139/6kgih.html

California Senate opens with Hindu prayer

August 29, 2007

The California Senate heard a Hindu opening prayer on Monday, the first in its 157 years history, when Hindu chaplain Rajan Zed recited the Gayatri and other ancient Sanskrit mantras.

Starting with "Om", the mystical syllable containing the universe, which in Hinduism is used to introduce and conclude religious work, he read from the Rig veda.

He also delivered from the Bhagavad Gita and ended the prayer with the last mantra of Rig Veda, before concluding with "Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti", which he then translated as "Peace, Peace, Peace be unto all".

Before starting the prayer, he sprinkled Gangajal (holy water from river Ganga in India) on the podium.

Zed, after reciting the original lines in Sanskrit, then read the English translation of the verses.

Reverend Canon James D. Richardson, Chaplain of California State Senate, introduced Rajan Zed while Don Perata, Senate President pro Tem; Senator Christine Kehoe (San Jose) and Senator Elaine Alquist (San Diego) personally welcomed him.

"This day of August 27, 2007, is an esteemed day for all Californians and momentous day for us when opening prayers from ancient Hindu scriptures are being read in this majestic hall of democracy," Zed remarked.

Zed created history on July 12 last when he opened the United States Senate session in Washington DC with a Hindu prayer for the first time in its 218 years history.

Source:

http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/aug/28zed.htm