PHILADELPHIA (Diya TV) — Pennsylvania state Rep. Arvind Venkat opened a special House session Wednesday with a Hindu prayer at Congress Hall in Philadelphia.
The Sept. 9 session commemorated the 250th anniversary of Pennsylvania’s first Constitution and the United States Semiquincentennial. The House had formally authorized the gathering through a resolution adopted unanimously in July.
Venkat, a Democrat representing Pennsylvania’s 30th District, based his prayer on Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, a Sanskrit phrase commonly translated as “the world is one family.” He also recited “Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,” a Hindu prayer for well-being and peace.
Venkat became the first Hindu state legislator to serve in the Pennsylvania House when he took office in 2023. He is also the first Indian American elected to the chamber.
The Pennsylvania House met at Congress Hall beginning at 5:45 p.m. Lawmakers considered resolutions recognizing the 250th anniversaries of the Pennsylvania Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.
Congress Hall served as the meeting place of the U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800.
Venkat has previously delivered Hindu prayers during Pennsylvania House sessions, including prayers in 2023 and 2024.
