Invocation from ancient Hindu scriptures at University of Phoenix commencement ceremony
Newswire Services
April 25, 2008
Reno - Hymns from Rig Veda, the oldest scripture of the world composed around 1,500 BCE, will form part of the invocation at the commencement ceremony of University of Phoenix, largest private university in North America, here on May 31.
Internationally acclaimed Hindu leader Rajan Zed who read the first Hindu prayer in United States (US) Senate in Washington DC in July last, will give this invocation. According to Amanda Buchanan, Senior Academic Counselor of the University, this might be the first time a Hindu clergyman is giving invocation at such a University ceremony.
Besides Rig-Veda, he might also use some lines from Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), both ancient Hindu scriptures, Zed says. Invocation is a formal opening prayer calling on God for blessing, support, inspiration, help, etc. Kathleen Gamboa, Campus Director, will preside at this ceremony to be held at Lawlor Events Center. Nevada Clergy Association sponsored Zed.
Besides US Senate, Rajan Zed has also read the historic first groundbreaking Hindu prayers in Nevada, California, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Washington, Arizona Senates, Nevada Assembly and Arizona House of Representatives during the last few months. He is one of the panelists for "On Faith", a prestigious interactive conversation on religion produced jointly by Newsweek and washingtonpost.com.
Dr. John Sperling founded University of Phoenix in 1976 on the idea of making higher education highly accessible for working students. It has 200 locations, besides Internet delivery in many countries around the world, and offers over 100 degree programs from associate to doctorate programs. Dr. William Pepicello is the current president.
Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion followers. Moksha (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism.
Internationally acclaimed Hindu leader Rajan Zed who read the first Hindu prayer in United States (US) Senate in Washington DC in July last, will give this invocation. According to Amanda Buchanan, Senior Academic Counselor of the University, this might be the first time a Hindu clergyman is giving invocation at such a University ceremony.
Besides Rig-Veda, he might also use some lines from Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), both ancient Hindu scriptures, Zed says. Invocation is a formal opening prayer calling on God for blessing, support, inspiration, help, etc. Kathleen Gamboa, Campus Director, will preside at this ceremony to be held at Lawlor Events Center. Nevada Clergy Association sponsored Zed.
Besides US Senate, Rajan Zed has also read the historic first groundbreaking Hindu prayers in Nevada, California, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Washington, Arizona Senates, Nevada Assembly and Arizona House of Representatives during the last few months. He is one of the panelists for "On Faith", a prestigious interactive conversation on religion produced jointly by Newsweek and washingtonpost.com.
Dr. John Sperling founded University of Phoenix in 1976 on the idea of making higher education highly accessible for working students. It has 200 locations, besides Internet delivery in many countries around the world, and offers over 100 degree programs from associate to doctorate programs. Dr. William Pepicello is the current president.
Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion followers. Moksha (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism.
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