How Hindu values have shaped FBI chief Kash Patel’s journey

Kash Patel has not been one to shy away from displaying his Hindu values time and again.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director recently shared an article on social media which discusses his Hindu upbringing and its influence on his leadership approach.

ALSO READ | Oath on Bhagavad Gita, ‘Jai Shri Krishna’ greetings: How FBI chief Kash Patel embraces his Indian roots

The article, which explores his personal beliefs, has since gone viral, particularly within Indian-American communities.

Earlier, Patel made headlines when he took his oath as FBI Director on the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, and touched his parents’ feet during his US Senate confirmation hearing.

But what was the latest article about? How has the FBI Director displayed his Hindu values in the past?

https://t.co/wMuJYw2BYf

— Kash Patel (@Kash_Patel) March 24, 2025

We will take a look:

What did the article say?

The article, titled “FBI Director Kash Patel: A Hindu Warrior in Washington’s Political Battlefield,” was published by the Chicago-based news website India Tribune.

It opens with: “Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel, 45, a Hindu and the son of Indian immigrants, now holds the most powerful law enforcement position in the United States: Director of the FBI.”

The article delves into Patel’s personal background and traces his family’s journey. His father, Pramod Patel, fled Uganda in 1972 during Idi Amin’s brutal regime. After spending some time in India, he eventually settled in the United States. Meanwhile, Patel’s mother, Anjana Patel, was Tanzanian.

According to the article, Patel was raised in a traditional Hindu household, and these teachings shaped his perspective and approach to both life and work.

“Kash’s upbringing was rooted in the values of Hinduism - hard work, respect, and education - values that have influenced his worldview. His parents taught him to respect all religions, embodying the message of universal tolerance famously delivered by Swami Vivekananda in his 1893 speech at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago," it read.

The FBI director discussed the significance of dharma (righteous duty), karma (action with accountability), and seva (selfless service), principles that guide his role in public service.

Patel has pledged to “restore justice and fairness, aiming to fix an FBI that has been criticised for its role in an American criminal justice system,” the article added.

Earlier in the day, Patel gave his first television interview as FBI Director. Speaking to Fox News, he addressed several key issues, including rising violent crime and the fentanyl crisis in the United States.

He expressed concern that violent crime is “out of control” and added that the FBI must take stronger action to tackle the problem.

He also criticised the previous administration for failing to address these challenges and stated that the FBI now has new priorities to confront them. Patel assured that the agency is fully committed to adopting a more proactive approach.

Jai Shri Krishna…….

How @Kash_Patel began his speech at his congressional hearing after first introducing his parents and sister from India….. pic.twitter.com/U9ateObPvS

— Alok Bhatt (@alok_bhatt) January 30, 2025

How Kash Patel embraces his Indian roots

From greeting people with Jai Shri Krishna to seeking his parents’ blessings, Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel has consistently embraced his Indian heritage.

When Patel was sworn in as FBI Director, he took his oath on the Bhagavad Gita, instead of the Bible. Attorney General Pam Bondi administered the oath using the Bhagavad Gita.

Patel’s girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, held the scripture as he took the oath in the Indian Treaty Room at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, with his family present.

Following the ceremony, Patel spoke about fulfilling the American dream, stating that a “first-generation Indian is about to lead the law enforcement agency of the greatest nation on earth.”

During his US Senate confirmation hearing, Patel introduced his parents before the Senate Judiciary Committee and greeted them with ‘Jai Shri Krishna’.

A viral video captured the moment he bowed to touch his parents’ feet before the proceedings commenced. Patel expressed deep gratitude to his family for travelling from India to attend the hearing.

Kash Patel touches his parent's feet as a sign of respect at his confirmation hearing. pic.twitter.com/M5bcVJkhLD

— Rita Panahi (@RitaPanahi) February 2, 2025

“I like to welcome my father and my mother Anjana who are sitting here today. They travelled to get here from India. My sister is also here. She also travelled the oceans just to be with me here today. It means the world that you guys are here. Jai Shri Krishna,” he said.

Kash Patel’s connection to India

Patel was born on February 25, 1980, in Garden City, New York, to Gujarati parents.

According to him, his mother is originally from Tanzania and pursued her studies in India, as did his father. The couple married in India before eventually settling in New York, where Patel was born.

He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Richmond before obtaining a Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law.

Although he was born and raised in the United States, Patel has frequently spoken about his Indian heritage and its influence on his values and professional path.

While he has ancestral roots in India, his career has been primarily centred on US national security, intelligence, and law enforcement.

With inputs from agencies