Rajan Zed at Idaho Capitol in Boise

Rajan Zed at Idaho Capitol in Boise


“Better Idaho”, which calls itself “the state’s most ambitious communications organization”, has sent a “Thank You Letter” today to Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, which is said to be signed by over 700 people and carried their names.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, opened the Idaho State Senate in Boise on March third with its historic first Hindu invocation, which three senators reportedly refused to attend, including one of them stating “Hindu is a false faith with false gods”.

Emailed by “Better Idaho” Managing Director Derek Farr to Zed, the Letter read: “We want to express our deepest appreciation for your recent visit to Idaho. It was a great opportunity for Idahoans to learn from a religion and a culture that is rather uncommon in our great state. We believe these exchanges of ideas make everybody stronger, wiser and better. That’s why we are relaying our gratitude for your efforts. We would also like to invite you to return to Idaho at any time. We would be delighted to have you back.”

This Rajan Zed Thank You Letter, thanking him for his visit, carried names from all over Idaho; including from places like Ahsahka, American Falls, Ammon, Ashton, Athol, Bellevue, Blackfoot, Boise, Bonners Ferry, Buhl, Burley, Caldwell, Chubbuck, Clark Fork, Clayton, Coeur d’Alene, Cottonwood, Driggs, Eagle, Emmett, Fernwood, Filer, Fort Hall, Fruitland, Garden City, Genesee, Grangeville, Greencreek, Hailey, Hayden, Homedale, Idaho City, Idaho Falls, Jerome, Ketchum, Kooskia, Kuna, Lewiston, Mackay, Marsing, McCall, Meridian, Middleton, Moscow, Mountain Home, Nampa, New Meadows, Orofino, Ovid, Parma, Paul, Payette, Pingree, Pocatello, Post Falls, Potlatch, Preston, Princeton, Rigby, Ririe, Sagle, Salmon, Sandpoint, St. Maries, Spirit Lake, Shelley, Stanley, Star, Sun Valley, Swan Valley, Tensed, Twin Falls, Victor, Viola, Weiser, Worley. Except about 14 names from California, Georgia, Military, Oregon, Utah and Washington states, rest were mentioned from Idaho.

“Better Idaho” website on this issue, titled “Idaho shows appreciation”, said: “More than 700 people singed the thank you letter to Hindu statesman Rajan Zed…The message was simple and clear: Idahoans respect others. It’s too bad that was ever in doubt, but the behavior of three lawmakers — one in particular — made a rebuke necessary. Fortunately, a message of tolerance from more than 700 Idahoans will prevail over any three people’s behavior.”

Farr, in his email to Zed, said: “Ever since your visit to Idaho, there have been many people who wanted to thank you for coming to our state. This letter…contains just a sampling of the people who would like to extend their gratitude.”

Various Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Native American spiritualist, etc., leaders have already urged the concerned Idaho senator for public apology.

Idaho Senate, upper house in the State Legislature, started its day with ancient Hindu mantras on March third, said to be a first since Idaho acquired statehood in 1890. It contained verses from Rig-Veda; the oldest existing scripture of the mankind still in common use; besides Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita, both ancient Hindu scriptures. Rajan Zed delivered this invocation in Sanskrit and English after sprinkling water drops from river Ganga, considered holy by Hindus. Zed also met Idaho Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter, Lieutenant Governor Brad Little, Secretary of State Lawerence Denney, Senate President Pro Tempore Brent Hill, and House of Representatives Speaker Scott Bedke on March third and presented a copy of Bhagavad-Gita to Governor Otter.

“Better Idaho” website states describing itself: “We love Idaho and we know that Idaho can do better. With your help, we will change the public conversation to focus on ideas that actually make this state a better place to live for all Idahoans.”

Link to Rajan Zed Thank You Letter from “Better Idaho” website: