In a historic and culturally significant moment, Pandit Brijesh Raval of the Hindu Mandir in Las Vegas delivered the opening invocation at the Clark County Commission meeting, becoming the first local Hindu priest to do so in the county’s history.

The invocation, delivered in honor of Asian Heritage Month, began with a powerful three-minute recitation of ancient Sanskrit verses from Hindu scriptures. Pandit Ji read, “OM sah navavatu, Sah No Bhanaktu…Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti,”. These sacred verses conveyed messages of peace, unity, and prosperity. Following the Sanskrit recitation, Pandit Raval offered a thoughtful English translation to ensure all attendees could appreciate and understand his prayer’s universal theme and message. His translated message conveyed, “Om may we all be protected, may we all be nourished and energized, may we all work together, may we all be enlightened and may there be no hostility, Om…Peace, Peace, and Peace.

During the meeting, Clark County Commissioners honored several members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, including Indian Physician Dr. R.D. Prabhu, for their outstanding service to the people of Clark County. The event served as a celebration of the diversity and contributions of the Asian community.

Here are the prayers…