Raised by a Hindu mother and a Catholic father in “a multiracial, multicultural, multifaith family”, Ms. Gabbard (31) is the first American Samoan and one of the first female combat veterans in U.S. Congress and the first Hindu Congresswoman.  

“I believe strongly in embracing diversity,” says Ms. Gabbard, who was exposed as a child to both the New Testament and the Bhagavad Gita. Tulsi was visiting Boston to receive the 2013 John F. Kennedy New Frontier Awards that honors honor Americans under 40 who are changing their communities and the country with their commitment to public service. 

How did she get interested in pubic service? “As a child I would have never imagined myself in public service. I grew up in Hawaii as someone who loved to surf and read books. But as a child I was always taught that it was important to create a positive impact. I was taught to not complain but become part of the solution. I think these ideas guided my career towards public service,” says Gabbard. 

In 2002, at the age of 21, Gabbard Tamayo became the youngest legislator ever elected in the history of Hawaii and the youngest woman elected to state office in the nation. Later she joined the National Guard and was posted to Iraq. After returning from Iraq, she ran for office. She represents Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District. Gabbard crushed political veteran Mufi Hannemann in the August 2012 primary, receiving 54 percent of the vote while Hannemann received 34 percent. In the general election, she faced only token competition in Republican Kawika Crowley. She defeated him by a landslide, gaining 77 percent of the vote, to Crowley's 19 percent.

When asked her Hindu faith, she was emphatic that her faith had helped her sail through difficult times. “The Bhagavad Gita has been a source of strength for me. I always look to it for inspiration”. Gabbard has been gaining stature in the Democratic Party and has been applauded for her ability to reach across the isle. Would her Hindu faith affect her political ambitions? “When I meet people from regions who have no knowledge of the Hindu faith, it is not a topic that will connect me to them. With those constituents my other life experiences, for instance my deployment to Iraq, my understanding of war connects me with many.” What version of the Bhagavad Gita does she read? “I read the “Gita As it is “ by Bhaktavedanta Swami Prabhupad.

Gabbard  is a member of the Indian Caucus. She serves on the House Committee on Foreign affairs and the subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific. “I really enjoy working on this committee”. What does she think about India’s relationship with the US? “I think it is critical the US and India have strong ties. A strong partnership with India will be a huge win for the US”.  She would like to make the congressman more knowledgeable about India so that they can take well-informed decisions.   

Is she considering a trip to India? "I would love to visit India. I would love to see Vrindavan. I hope I get the opportunity."

Any special message for our readers? “I am so touched to see how welcoming the South Asian community has been to me. I look forward to continuing to partner with them to serve the nation.”