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Fowler City Council in California (USA) had its first Hindu invocation on June five evening since the city was incorporated in 1908, containing verses from world’s oldest existing scripture.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed delivered the opening prayer from ancient Sanskrit scriptures before the City Council. After Sanskrit delivery, he then read the English translation of the prayer. Sanskrit is considered a sacred language in Hinduism and root language of Indo-European languages.

After the historic Hindu invocation at Fowler City Hall, from left to right are—Councilmember Jim Simonian, Mayor David Cardenas, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, Councilmember Rick Darling and Mayor Pro-Tem Daniel T. Parra.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, presented a copy of Bhagavad-Gita to Mayor David Cardenas who welcomed and thanked Zed. Zed sprinkled few drops of water from river Ganga of India, considered holy by Hindus, around the podium before the prayer. Zed stated before beginning the invocation: It is a historic moment of pride for the community when the prayers from ancient Sanskrit scriptures are being read in this great hall of democracy of this great city of Fowler.

Rajan Zed recited from Rig-Veda, the oldest scripture of the world still in common use, besides lines from Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), both ancient Hindu scriptures. He started and ended the prayer with “Om”, the mystical syllable containing the universe, which in Hinduism is used to introduce and conclude religious work. Reciting from Bhagavad-Gita, he urged councilmembers to keep the welfare of others always in mind.

Zed has been awarded “World Interfaith Leader Award” and is Senior Fellow and Religious Advisor to New York headquartered Foundation for Religious Diplomacy, Spiritual Advisor to National Association of Interchurch & Interfaith Families, etc.

Fowler, whose tagline is "The Blossom Trail City", is located in an area full of lush grape vineyards. City of Fowler claims: With its distinct “Americana” atmosphere…it’s a great place to live and work.