Kash Patel, an Indian-American lawyer and a close ally of former US President Donald Trump, has officially taken over as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In a historic moment, Patel chose to take his oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita, showcasing his deep-rooted Indian heritage on Friday. Instead of the traditional Bible, he took oath on Bhagavad Gita making history as the first Indian-American to lead the prestigious law enforcement agency.
Attorney General Pam Bondi administered the oath to Patel in a ceremony held in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. During the swearing-in, Bondi instructed Patel, saying, “Place your hand on the Gita and raise your right hand.” Adding a personal touch to the occasion, Patel began the ceremony by chanting "Jai Shree Krishna."
“I, Kashyap Pramod Patel, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office which I am about to enter. So help me God," Patel declared.
A Historic Appointment and Senate Confirmation
Patel’s nomination as FBI Director was narrowly confirmed by the US Senate with a 51-49 vote. His appointment faced opposition from all Democratic senators, along with two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, who voted against him.
Following his confirmation, Patel acknowledged his parents in his Senate hearing and performed a traditional Hindu gesture of touching their feet, symbolizing respect. He once again reaffirmed his cultural and religious roots by concluding his statement with the chant “Jai Shree Krishna.”
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Family Roots and Background
Born in New York, 44-year-old Patel has deep ties to India. His family originally hailed from Bhadran village in Gujarat’s Anand district before migrating to Uganda 70 to 80 years ago. Later, they settled in the United States, where Patel was raised in a Hindu household that emphasized religious and cultural traditions.
According to members of the Patidar community, Patel’s relatives are now settled in various countries, having sold their ancestral properties in Bhadran when they moved to Africa.
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Trump’s Praise and Patel’s Vision for the FBI
Former President Donald Trump, who nominated Patel for the FBI position, expressed strong support for his leadership. Trump described Patel as a “brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter” who has dedicated his career to exposing corruption and ensuring justice. He also stated that Patel would play a crucial role in tackling rising human and drug trafficking across US borders.
Patel has been vocal about his support for Hindu causes, particularly the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He frequently wears a rudraksha mala and a mauli (sacred Hindu thread) on his wrist, symbolizing his devotion.
As the ninth Director of the FBI, Patel now steps into one of the most powerful law enforcement roles in the US, bringing his legal expertise and investigative experience to the agency under the Trump administration.