Hindu leader Rajan Zed to speak at BYU-Idaho interfaith event

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A Hindu and interfaith leader is set to speak at Brigham Young University–Idaho later this week during an event hosted by the university’s Interfaith Leadership Society.

According to organizers, Rajan Zed will address students on May 28 in Rexburg. Faculty members from the university’s Department of Religious Education have also been invited to attend.

The Interfaith Leadership Society is a student-led organization founded in 2020 at BYU-Idaho. Organizers say the group has grown to more than 400 members.

Zed serves as president of the Universal Society of Hinduism and has been involved in interfaith dialogue efforts both nationally and internationally. Organizers say he has received the World Interfaith Leader Award and serves on several interfaith advisory boards and organizations.

Zed is also familiar with Idaho audiences. Over the years, he has delivered opening prayers before the Idaho State Senate, county commissions in Bonneville and Owyhee counties, and several city councils across the state, including Boise, Meridian, Burley, Star, St. Anthony and Arimo.

Hinduism is considered the world’s oldest religion and the third largest globally, with roughly 1.2 billion followers worldwide, according to organizers.

BYU-Idaho states students pursuing a bachelor’s degree are required to complete 14 religion credits before graduation.