USA: A very successful event that was held to welcome Tulsi Gabbard to Shri Krishna Vrundavana. The event started at 3.15pm on Saturday May 31st.
On arrival, Tulsi was taken around the temple premises and a special “arati” by Shri Yogeendra Bhat, Chief Priest of the temple. Invoking the divine grace of Shri Krishna through this “arati” was the first step.
On behalf of Shri Krishna Vrundavana and His Holiness 1008 Shri Sugunendra Theerta Swami, Shri Yogeendra then presented Tulsi with a traditional memento 1. A pocked Bhagavad Geeta Book 2. Divine water from the Holy Ganga 3. A book on Swamiji 4. Traditional Indian Saree.
The event then kicked off with singing of the national anthem’s of both America and United States. Prachi Makkad a young devotee of the temple had the national spirit kicked off with her voice.
Opening remarks and Introduction on Tulsi and her achievements to the audience were provided by Mahesh Harvu. Particular emphasis on her being a war veteran and being one of the two woman war veterans’ in the Congress. Another historical feat was her taking oath on the Bhagavad Geeta
Then Shri Yogeendra expounded on the Bhagavad Geeta explaining the meaning of the Geeta and its applicability to the nation and in maintaining peace and harmony. Shri Yogeendra made an appeal to the audience to pray Lord Shri Krishna to guide this nation and Tulsi on a prosperous path.
Tulsi then gave an eventful and an inspiring speech. Tulsi shared her journey from the childhood at Hawaii, her tryst with the National Guard, her journey to the congress.
She touched upon her faith of being brought up in a catholic household and a hindu household, and how two faiths helped guide her journey
her beliefs in karma yoga and bhakti yoga of the geeta
her resilience and reliance on the karma yoga in her daily activities
Tulsi touched upon her anticipation of a new high in the Indo-US relationships, with a new Prime Minister in India.
She did mention that she had good fortune of calling Narendra Modi and emphasing her cooperation in working on better US-India relationships.
The session then opened up for Q&A with an interactive engagement. The audience asked Tulsi to stand up for the community and continue to enhance cooperation in Washington. The community pledged its support for righetous activities.
The event that went on for hour and half was attended by close to 150 to 200 individuals from all sections of the community. Such a rousing response and support by the Indian Community at a short notice was admired by Tulsi and her Congressional team.
Tulsi patiently signed autographs for the audience before leaving for her next engagement enroute to the airport.
