I turn to Lord Krishna's teachings in Bhagavad Gita in best and worst of times: Tulsi Gabbard

Tulsi Gabbard, newly appointed US Director of National Intelligence and a prominent figure in the Trump administration, has shed light on how the Bhagavad Gita has impacted her life and career, strongly defending her Hindu identity. Gabbard, a practicing Vaishnava Hindu and staunch follower of Lord Krishna, said she turned to his teachings to Arjuna in Bhagavad Gita, in the best of times and worst of times to learn critical lessons.

Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu American to be ever elected to the House, was the first lawmaker to take the oath on the sacred Bhagavad Gita. A long-time admirer of the ancient Hindu text, Gabbard emphasised how Lord Krishna's teachings to Arjuna have been a source of strength and guidance for her- be it in war zones or facing the complex challenges of her current role.

Gabbard is on a two-and-a-half-day visit to India as part of a multi-nation tour, marking the first high-level visit by a top official from the Donald Trump administration.


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Tulsi Gabbard on Bhagavad Gita teachings

Tulsi Gabbard has credited the teachings of Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita as a source of strength and guidance in both challenging and triumphant moments. In an interview with news agency ANI on Monday, Tulsi Gabbard took time out from a schedule packed with back- to- back meetings to speak about her spiritual practice emphaisisng how her personal relationship with God is the centre of her life.

"Whether serving in war zones in different parts of the world or the challenges that we face now, it is (Lord) Krishna's teachings to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita that I turn to in the best of times and the worst of times," she said.

On how her spiritual journey and being Hindu has helped her break all glass ceilings, Gabbard said, "Well, my own personal spiritual practice, my personal relationship with God is the centre of my life and I do my very best every day to live a life that is pleasing to God and what better way to do that and to do my best to be of service to all of God's children. And so in different times of my life, whether serving in war zones in different parts of the world or the challenges that we face now, it is Krishna's teachings to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita that I turn to in the best of times and the worst of times and continuously learn critical lessons from Krishna to Arjuna that give me strength, that give me peace, that give me great comfort through all of the days."

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This is not the first time Tulsi Gabbard has spoken about her deep connection with the Bhagavad Gita. In 2020, she encouraged Hindu students to delve into the principles of Bhakti Yoga and Karma Yoga as described in the Gita, highlighting the significance of serving society as a path to genuine success. Her daily routine encompasses meditation, yoga, and reading the Gita.

On her love for Indian food

She also expressed happiness about being in India and talked about her love for Indian food. Tulsi Gabbard said, "Let me just say I love so much about India. I always feel at home when I'm here.

The people are so welcoming and kind and the food is always delicious. The Dal Makhani and anything with fresh paneer is delicious."

Gabbard, known for her exemplary service in the US Army Reserve, has had a distinguished career spanning over two decades. Rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, she has been recognized for her leadership, dedication, and strategic acumen.

She arrived in India as a part of her multi-nation visit. It is her first visit to India after assuming office as the US Director of National Intelligence. The Asia leg of Gabbard's trip will culminate in an address on March 18 at the Raisina Dialogue.

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Gabbard, who arrived in New Delhi early Sunday, has been engaged in crucial discussions with Indian officials, focusing on intelligence cooperation, cybersecurity, and defence ties. Her visit comes in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s February trip to Washington, during which he met Gabbard and praised her as a strong advocate of India-US relations.

During her visit, Gabbard has participated in high-profile meetings and conferences aimed at strengthening bilateral security collaboration. She joined intelligence and security officials from around 20 countries for a conclave chaired by India’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval. Hosted by the National Security Council Secretariat, the conclave has been held on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue since 2022.

"There is significant potential for strengthening our economic partnership. It’s encouraging to see a more positive outlook on this issue rather than focusing solely on tariffs," she said, acknowledging that both PM Narendra Modi and President Trump are prioritising their respective nations' economic interests but are also working towards mutually beneficial solutions.

"What I have heard from the Indian government officials that I've spoken to over the last few days, there is an opportunity here to see. There is more potential for strengthening of our economic relationship and I'm glad to see that they're looking at it in a more positive light than just one that is focused in a negative way, when we look at tariffs. Obviously Prime Minister Modi is looking out for what is in the best interest of India's economy and the opportunities available for the people of India. Similarly, President Trump is doing the same for the United States, our economic interests and the interests of the American people " she added.

(With ANI inputs)