Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi reads from Bhagavad Gita at interfaith prayer

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On the first day of the 119th Congress, January 6, 2025, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, spoke at the Bipartisan Interfaith Prayer Service, where he read a passage from the Bhagavad-Gita. The purpose of the bipartisan service is to bless the new Congress before it is officially constituted for another two-year term.

Krishnamoorthi was the only person representing the Hindu faith among the speakers, the others being Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York.

“Years ago, Hindu Americans were not included at prayer services in our nation’s capital,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi is quoted saying in the press release. “I’m grateful that we now have a seat at the table and that I can play a part in spreading the beautiful blessings of the Hindu faith to my colleagues, both Republican and Democrat. Together we prayed for peace and prosperity, and in doing so are better equipped to tackle our nation’s toughest challenges ahead.”

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The specific passage read by Congressman Krishnamoorthi (Bhagavad-Gita XVIII 57-58), went as follows:

The Supreme Lord said: In all activities just depend upon Me and work always under My  protection. 

In such devotional service, be fully conscious of Me.

If you become conscious of Me, you will pass over all the obstacles of conditional life by My grace. 

If, however, you do not work in such consciousness but act through false ego, not hearing Me, you will be lost.

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