Hindu prayers will open the Miami City Commission meeting in Florida on September 25, containing verses from world’s oldest extant scripture.

Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed will deliver the invocation from ancient Sanskrit scriptures before the Miami City Commission. After Sanskrit delivery, he then will read the English interpretation of the prayers. Sanskrit is considered a sacred language in Hinduism and the root language of Indo-European languages.

Reciting from Brahadaranyakopanishad, Rajan Zed plans to say “Asato ma sad gamaya, Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, Mrtyor mamrtam gamaya”; which he will then interpret as “Lead us from the unreal to the real, Lead us from darkness to light, and Lead us from death to immortality.” Reciting from Bhagavad-Gita, he proposes to urge the commissioners and others present to keep the welfare of others always in mind. 

Miami, incorporated 1896 and founded by a woman Julia Tuttle; is known for being a gateway for cruise ships, legendary nightlife, vibrant beaches, year-round sunshine, etc. Francis X. Suarez is the Mayor, while Christine King is the Commission Chairwoman.