(March 20, 2025) “Whether in war zones or in the challenges I face now as the Director of National Intelligence, Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita are what I turn to—both in the best of times and the worst of times, continuously learning critical lessons,” Tulsi Gabbard stated during her recent visit to India.
She is the first Hindu American to be ever elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and was also the first lawmaker to take the oath of office on the sacred Bhagavad Gita. Her appointment last month as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) under Donald Trump has sent ripples through American politics and beyond. A former Democratic Congresswoman-turned-Republican ally, Gabbard’s transformation is as intriguing as her personal and political journey. Once a rising star in the Democratic Party, she now embodies a shifting political landscape.
Gabbard has become the highest-ranking Pacific Islander American official in U.S. history, shattering glass ceilings. As DNI, she now oversees 18 intelligence agencies, including the CIA and NSA, placing her at the helm of America’s national security apparatus. Her role involves advising the president on intelligence matters, counterterrorism, and cybersecurity—issues that align with her long-standing concerns about global conflicts and U.S. military interventions. At the core of it all remains the Bhagavad Gita, a text she has studied since childhood. Its teachings continue to shape the politician and military officer’s worldview, guiding her as she navigates the complexities of American intelligence and national security.
Tulsi Gabbard took the oath of office as Director of National Intelligence on the sacred Bhagavad Gita
Key player in shaping U.S.-India relations
Tulsi Gabbard’s recent visit to India is more than just another diplomatic engagement. it’s a full-circle moment in her journey. This marks her second foreign trip since stepping into the role of DNI and, interestingly, her second time in India, the first being in 2014. Nearly a decade later, she returns not just as a visitor, but as a key player in shaping U.S.-India relations.
The tone and relationship between our new administration under President Trump and Prime Minister Modi were set during the Prime Minister’s visit to the White House. As you know, they are already good friends, and it was a great opportunity for them to share their joint vision for the U.S.-India partnership and the opportunity to strengthen that partnership.
Tulsi Gabbard
“The meetings I’ve had here with different Indian government officials and intelligence officials build on that foundation,” she said highlighting how both sides are focused on integrating and strengthening the U.S. and India’s intelligence relationship, apart from other areas like commerce, trade, defense, and education. “There is nothing but opportunity that I see here in the U.S.-India partnership,” stated the politician who loves the welcoming nature of the people in India.
Her meetings with Indian officials on intelligence and defense cooperation signal a deepening strategic bond between the two nations. Yet, what makes her influence even more compelling is the personal connection she brings. Despite having no Indian ancestry, Gabbard’s deep-rooted affinity for Hinduism has shaped her worldview, adding a layer of symbolism to her role in U.S. foreign policy.
Tulsi Gabbard
A Hindu-American, but not Indian
There’s a common misconception about Tulsi Gabbard as many assume she is of Indian descent due to her Hindu faith, and name. However, Gabbard was born in American Samoa and raised in Hawaii by a Catholic father and a practicing Hindu mother who had converted to Hinduism in 1970. Tulsi’s spiritual upbringing was deeply influenced by Gaudiya Vaishnavism, a Hindu tradition which originated in Bengal and is rooted in devotion to Lord Krishna.
Tulsi grew up in Hawaii, where her childhood was shaped by surfing, martial arts, and yoga. From an early age, she was introduced to spiritual teachings, particularly the concept of karma, through the ancient Indian text Bhagavad Gita. By her teenage years, she had embraced Hinduism as her faith.
Gabbard’s siblings also bear distinctly Indian names. Her sister Vrindavan and brothers Jay, Bhakti, and Aryan, a reflection of her family’s deep spiritual commitment. Her parents oversaw a Hare Krishna splinter group called the Science of Identity Foundation, while Tulsi was growing up.
As a young adult, Gabbard became actively involved in public service, working with Stand Up For America (SUFA), an organization founded by her politician father in response to the September 11 attacks.
Hinduism set her apart in the American politics
Her religious identity set her apart when she entered the U.S. Congress in 2013 as the first Hindu-American representative. She took her oath on the Bhagavad Gita, a symbolic moment that resonated with Indian and Hindu communities worldwide. Her connection with India deepened in 2014 when she met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She presented him with her childhood copy of the Bhagavad Gita, a text she had been immersed in while growing up
Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna gives me strength, peace, and comfort in all of the days.
Tulsi Gabbard
From Hawaii to Washington: A political meteoric rise
Gabbard’s political journey began at an astonishingly young age. At just 21, she became the youngest woman ever elected to Hawaii’s State Legislature. Her early career was shaped by conservative social values, influenced by her father’s political career and opposition to same-sex marriage. However, military service would become the defining aspect of her career.
In 2003, she enlisted in the Hawaii Army National Guard and served two deployments—one in Iraq and another in Kuwait where she carried her childhood copy of Bhagwad Gita along with her on the missions. Her time in the military deeply influenced her views on U.S. foreign policy, particularly her staunch opposition to interventionist wars. Her experiences on the battlefield reinforced her belief in non-interventionism, a stance that would later define her congressional career and presidential campaign.
A maverick in Congress
During her time in the U.S. House of Representatives (2013-2021), Gabbard developed a reputation as a contrarian. While she served on the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees, she frequently broke with party lines, particularly on military intervention. She opposed U.S. involvement in Syria and criticized the Democratic Party’s handling of foreign conflicts, arguing that regime change wars only led to further instability.
Her willingness to challenge the Democratic establishment became evident when she resigned as Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee in 2016 to endorse Bernie Sanders for president. This move showcased her independent streak, but it also alienated her from the party’s leadership. By the time she ran for president in 2020, she had become a divisive figure—praised for her military service and anti-war stance, but criticized for past positions on LGBTQ+ rights and her controversial meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Shift to the Right: From Democrat to Republican Ally
Gabbard’s departure from the Democratic Party in 2022 was not entirely unexpected. Over the years, her views on key issues like immigration, border security, and cultural debates had increasingly aligned with conservative platforms. She became a vocal critic of progressive policies, particularly on issues like transgender rights and free speech, and often appeared on right-leaning media platforms.
Tulsi Gabbard with Trump during his presidential campaign
By 2024, she officially joined the Republican Party and endorsed Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. This move cemented her break from the left and positioned her as a new kind of Republican—one with deep military experience, a commitment to national security, and an unconventional religious identity.
Her recent appointment as DNI has met with both support and skepticism. Critics pointed to her past statements on foreign policy, particularly her opposition to military aid for Ukraine and her nuanced stance on Russia. Supporters, however, emphasized her military background and deep understanding of national security.
The unfortunate attacks that comes from political opponents, and they stoop to levels that are incredibly disrespectful but my focus is always on how I can best be of service, how and where can I make the most positive impact. I will continue dedicating my efforts to the safety, security, and freedom of the American people.
Tulsi Gabbard
Vedic life in the public eye
Beyond politics, Gabbard’s personal life has also drawn attention. In 2015, she married filmmaker Abraham Williams in a Vedic ceremony in Hawaii, attended by high-profile Indian dignitaries and BJP leaders. This event reinforced her connection with India’s political landscape, despite her non-Indian heritage.
Her commitment to Hinduism remains a defining aspect of her identity. She frequently speaks about how the Bhagavad Gita influences her decisions, emphasizing selfless service and duty. This deep spiritual grounding has given her a unique platform in American politics, making her one of the few figures who openly discuss faith in governance without fitting into traditional religious or political categories.
Tulsi Gabbard during her Vedic wedding
My spiritual practice and my relationship with God are at the center of my life. Every day, I strive to live in a way that is pleasing to God, and what better way to do that than to be of service to all of God’s children?
Tulsi Gabbard
Service, truth and leadership
Given her track record of bold decision-making, Tulsi Gabbard’s next chapter as Director of National Intelligence is certain to add another compelling layer to her political journey. What remains clear, however, is that she continues to challenge conventions. Whether in Congress, on the presidential campaign trail—be it as a Democrat or aligning with Republicans, or now within the intelligence community, Gabbard refuses to be confined by political or ideological labels.
“I am grateful that President Trump has given me this opportunity to serve as the Director of National Intelligence and to continue what I have dedicated my life to—serving our country,” she remarked. “As Director of National Intelligence, my priority is ensuring that our intelligence community stays focused on its core mission: securing our country, seeking out the truth, and reporting that truth so that our President can make the best possible decisions.”
Tulsi Gabbard’s journey is one of transformation, conviction, and an unyielding commitment to her principles guided by the Bhagavad Gita, which makes her one of the most intriguing figures in modern American politics and a unique bridge in India-U.S. relations.
Tulsi Gabbard with PM Modi during her recent India visit. The PM presented her with a vase containing Gangajal from the recently concluded Mahakumbh. Gabbard, on the other hand, gifted PM Modi a ‘Tulsi’ mala.
- Follow Tulsi Gabbard on X
Read a similar story of Anita Anand and Kamal Khera, new era in Canada’s cabinet.
