Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed addressed on May 28 the students of Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYUI) in Rexburg, which “was founded and is supported and guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”, whose mission includes “to develop disciples of Jesus Christ…”.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, was received with genuine hospitality at the BYUI, highlighting the spirit of mutual respect between traditions.
This meeting was organized by BYUI Interfaith Leadership Society, which was attended by students and some Religious Education faculty members. Almost all of the Society students are reportedly members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with only rare exceptions.
Rajan Zed briefly explained Hinduism; its traditions, scriptures, beliefs, practices, culture, ethics, society, history, concepts, philosophy, spirituality, etc.; and answered questions about Brahm, karma, reincarnation, marriage, moksh, caste system, pluralism, rituals, deities, gurus, miracles, etc.
Zed also talked about his global interfaith efforts, community leadership initiatives, peaceful co-existence, opening-prayers at legislative bodies around the country, bridge-building across seriously different traditions, etc.
Mayor of nearby City of St. Anthony, Donald Powell, hosted dinner for Rajan Zed after his BYUI visit.
BYUI Interfaith Leadership Society, “student-led, student-run organization for students of BYU-Idaho”, founded in 2020, has reportedly over 400 members. Jaxon Waite is the President; while Dr. Ryan S. Gardner, who teaches World Religions and LDS doctrine and history, is Faculty Advisor.
Zed, a global Hindu and interfaith leader, has been bestowed with the World Interfaith Leader Award. Zed is on the Advisory Board of The Interfaith Peace Project, Senior Fellow and Religious Advisor to Foundation for Religious Diplomacy, etc. He has been a panelist for “On Faith”, a prestigious interactive conversation on religion produced by The Washington Post; and leads a weekly interfaith panel “Faith Forum” in a USA TODAY Network publication for over 15 years.
In Idaho, Rajan Zed has read opening-prayers in the State Senate; Board of Commissioners of Bonneville and Owyhee counties; and City Councils of Boise, Meridian, Burley, Star, St. Anthony, Arimo.
Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about 1.2 billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. There are about 3.2 million Hindus in the USA.
At BYUI, to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, students must take 14 credits in religion. Total BYUI student enrollment is stated to be 50,336 and 20% campus based students are married. Alvin F. Meredith III is the President.
