Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed will be honored with “Vishwa Hindu Ratna” (World Hindu Gem) award at the American Hindu Dharma Sabha, a national gathering of prominent Hindu leaders and activists, near Washington DC on July 18.

According to Bhavna S. Shinde of Forum for Hindu Awakening, one of the coordinators, Zed has been chosen for this special honor for his pioneering efforts in the areas of “creating worldwide Hindu identity, enhancing understanding of Hinduism, and fostering interfaith dialogue”.

This Sabha, to be held at Durga Temple of Virginia (Fairfax Station) near Washington DC, will bring together major Hindu leaders and groups of USA and Canada to discuss advancing awareness of Hinduism, passing authentic Hindu traditions to coming generations, spiritual renewal, preserving Hindu dharma, etc., Shinde adds.

Rajan Zed is a well-known Indo-American and Hindu statesman who has taken up Hindu, interfaith, religion, environment, Roma and other causes all over the world. He was invited by President of European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pottering, in December 2008 in Brussels (Belgium) for a meeting to promote interfaith dialogue and discuss Hindu issues. He read the groundbreaking first Hindu opening prayer in United States Senate in Washington DC during its 218 years history. He is one of the panelists for “On Faith”, a prestigious interactive conversation on religion produced jointly by Newsweek and washingtonpost.com. He has been bestowed with “World Interfaith Leader Award” and various other honors. He is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, Chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, Director of Interfaith Relations of Nevada Clergy Association, Spiritual Advisor to National Association of Interchurch and Interfaith Families, etc.