Tulsi Gabbard became the first Hindu to head the nation’s intelligence community when the US Senate confirmed her as the director of national intelligence (DNI) by a vote of 52-48. Gabbard’s selection has been commended by ISKCON, which also noted her strong Vaishnava beliefs and expressed hope that they would help her in her new position.
“We pray that Tulsi Gabbard’s experience in government, along with her foundation in Vaishnavism—selfless service, determination, care for others, equality, tolerance, humility, and integrity—will help her succeed,” said Anuttama Dasa, ISKCON’s global minister of communications.
The former four-term congresswoman grew up in Hawaii and the Philippines after being born in American Samoa, a US territory.
Growing up in a multicultural setting, Tulsi Gabbard’s mother, Carol Porter Gabbard, became interested in Hinduism. Her children, who all have Hindu names—Bhakti, Jai, Aryan, Tulsi, and Vrindavan—were influenced spiritually by her. Tulsi actively adheres to Hindu customs and values.
Previously a lieutenant colonel in the US Army Reserves, Gabbard currently has a high-level government post in the United States. In addition to advising the President, the Homeland Security Council, and the National Security Council, she is in charge of the intelligence community.
Gabbard, 43, is a practicing Vaishnavi who belongs to the Brahma Madhva Gaudiya Sampradaya and was the first Hindu to hold a position in the US Congress. She presented her personal copy of the Bhagavad-gita to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2014 visit to New York, when she took the congressional oath of office.
