DALLAS, Tx.: Ms. Tulsi Gabbard, current Honolulu City Councilwoman, former state representative of Hawaii and Iraq war veteran who won the recent Democratic Party primary for the 2nd Congressional District of US Congress from Hawaii, visited Dallas at the request of Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC).
In spite of her busy schedule and the coming general elections, Ms. Tulsi took time and interest to meet several Hindu, Indian-American leaders from all walks of life here in Dallas.
Though a practicing Hindu since childhood and a strict vegetarian, Gabbard is not of Indian origin. Her father Mike Gabbard, a Catholic Christian and current Hawaii State senator, is from American Samoa.
Her mother Carol Porter Gabbard, a white American from Michigan State, is a practicing Hindu. Her parents raised all five of their children with an important value of “karma yoga” and always wanting to be of service through everything that they do. Her parents have been leading their lives by example.
During her stay in Dallas, she visited several temples including Sri Hari Hara Peetham (Coppell), D/FW Hindu Temple (Irving) and participated at the groundbreaking ceremony of Hindu Temple of Greater Fort Worth. She was well received with full honors at these temples and special prayers were made for her political success.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony which was attended by several holy people including Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami and Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami (Hindu Monastery- Kauai, Hawaii) she talked about her strong belief and commitment to Hindu philosophy and Hindu way of life in which she was raised since childhood. She mentioned as a Captain in the Hawaii Army National Guard that while on tours of deployment in Iraq (medical unit) and Kuwait (military police platoon leader) she always found time to read scriptures, meditate and practice vegetarianism in a creative manner in the face of danger lurking always.
IAFC held a grand reception in her honor at Pasand Indian Restaurant (Irving) which was well attended. In her inspiring speech, Ms. Tulsi promised to take oath of office by swearing on Hindu scripture “Bhagvad-Gita” as one of the members of US House of Representatives from Hawaii in Washington D.C. in December, 2012. She firmly believes in Hindu scriptures and carries Bhagavad-Gita along with her wherever she goes. In an interactive session, she answered several questions.
Prasad Thotakura, TX State Coordinator of the IAFC, said, “Tulsi is a decorated war veteran, a bright light in the world of politics, who happens to be a life-long practicing Hindu who will provide a voice for all Indians in Congress. Until recently, Tulsi was a Honolulu City Council member representing the 6th District. On August 11, she won the Democratic primary in Hawaii by a landslide, and is assured a victory to the U.S. Congress in next week’s elections, given that her district is safely Democratic. We are very proud of Tulsi Gabbard who is going to create history in US politics by becoming the first Hindu-American who is very honest and focused to serve the country and wish her all the best.”
Prasad Thotakura and Sanjay presented Tulsi with copy of Bhagvad-Gita with signatures of all who attended the reception. Many Indian American leaders from all walks of life including several IAFC leaders attended the event.
Angela Lee
