Kash Patel’s Oath on the Bhagavad Gita: A Fusion of Heritage and Duty
Placing his hand on the Gita was more than a ceremonial act. It was a personal affirmation of his heritage and values, aligning his new role with the text’s teachings on duty, dharma and justice.
Kashyap "Kash" Patel, an Indian-American with roots tracing back to Gujarat, made history as he was sworn in as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. The ceremony, held in the Indian Treaty Room, was a moment of profound significance — not only for Patel’s career but also for the Indian-American community and those who value cultural diversity in leadership. What set this event apart was Patel’s decision to take his oath of office with his hand placed on the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu text revered for its philosophical wisdom and spiritual guidance.
The scene was striking yet simple. Surrounded by his girlfriend, family members, and dignitaries, including U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who administered the oath, Patel stood tall, his left hand resting on the Gita while his right hand was raised in solemn commitment. The Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse scripture from the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata, is a dialogue between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, offering timeless lessons on duty, righteousness, and the pursuit of truth — principles that resonated deeply with Patel as he prepared to lead one of the world’s most powerful law enforcement agencies.
As the oath was administered, Patel’s voice carried a blend of resolve and gratitude. Afterward, he addressed the gathering, his words echoing with pride and purpose: “I am living the American dream, and anyone who thinks the American dream is dead, look right here. You’re talking to a first-generation Indian who is about to lead the law enforcement agency of the greatest nation on earth.” For Patel, placing his hand on the Gita was more than a ceremonial act—it was a personal affirmation of his heritage and values, aligning his new role with the text’s teachings on duty (dharma) and justice.
For many, the image of Patel swearing his oath on the Bhagavad Gita symbolised a powerful fusion of cultures — a testament to America’s diversity and a source of pride for the global Indian diaspora. Social media buzzed with reactions, with some noting the contrast between this quiet affirmation of faith and the political debates it might have sparked elsewhere. In India, where the Gita holds deep reverence, the event was celebrated as a milestone, even as it underscored the universal appeal of its teachings.
As Patel stepped into his role, he inherited an agency facing internal challenges and external scrutiny. But on that Friday evening, with the Bhagavad Gita in hand and his family by his side, Kash Patel stood as a bridge between his ancestral roots and his American destiny, ready to lead with the wisdom of Krishna’s counsel and the resolve of a modern-day Arjuna.
