Nevada Faith-Based Initiatives Summit opened and closed with ancient Sanskrit prayers

NEVADA - Nevada Faith-Based Initiatives Summit in Reno (Nevada, USA) opened and closed with mantras from ancient Sanskrit scriptures on September 21.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed read from Rig-Veda, oldest existing scripture of mankind; and Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), both ancient Sanskrit scriptures.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, reading from Brahadaranyakopanisad said, “Asato ma sad gamaya, Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, Mrityor mamrtam gamaya”, which he then interpreted as: “Lead us from the unreal to the real, Lead us from darkness to light, Lead us from death to immortality.” Reciting from Bhagavad-Gita, he urged the participants to “Strive constantly to serve the welfare of the world.”

Organized by United States Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in collaboration with University of Nevada-Reno, participants in the Summit besides leaders of faith community of the region belonging to various religions and denominations, included Dr. Miniard Culpepper, Acting Director of Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (CFBNP) of US Department of Housing and Urban Development; Roxana Barillas, Deputy Director of CFBNP of US Department of Agriculture; Dr. Ken Bedell, Senior Advisor of CFBNP of US Department of Education; Sharie Cantelon, Program Manager in US Department of Justice; Kimberly Konkel, Associate Health Director of CFBNP of US Department of Health and Human Services; Craig Warner, State Director of Corporation for National and Community Service. Mary Conelly, Senator Reid’s State Director, welcomed the participants. (ANI)