10 hours Ago By Firstpost
Tulsi Gabbard stands as a distinctive figure in contemporary American politics. Her career as a soldier, congresswoman, and political leader reflects her unwavering commitment to public service and independent thought. As a practicing Hindu, combat veteran, and bold policymaker, Gabbard’s trajectory embodies an intersection of diverse influences that have shaped her political and personal convictions.
In light of her recent nomination as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) by President-elect Donald Trump, her life and career merit closer examination. Military Service: A Foundation of Leadership Gabbard’s military service is a cornerstone of her identity. Joining the Hawaii Army National Guard in 2003, she served a 12-month deployment in Iraq from 2004 to 2005 as part of a medical unit.
In 2007, she completed Officer Candidate School at the Alabama Military Academy, graduating as the first woman to top her class. Her leadership extended into a second deployment to Kuwait from 2008 to 2009, where she served as an Army Military Police platoon leader. Over nearly two decades of service, Gabbard achieved numerous milestones.
In 2015, she became a Major in the Hawaii Army National Guard, and by 2021, she was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel while deployed in the Horn of Africa. Her military accolades include the Combat Medical Badge, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency in gold. This extensive military career underpins her emphasis on discipline, resilience, and a deep understanding of international security issues.
Personal Life and Faith: A Practicing Hindu in US Politics Born in American Samoa in 1981 and raised in Hawaii, Tulsi Gabbard’s upbringing was a blend of cultural and spiritual influences. Her father, of Samoan and European ancestry, and her mother, a convert to Hinduism, instilled in her a strong sense of identity rooted in Hindu values. Named after the holy basil plant, Gabbard grew up practicing yoga, meditation, and the principles of Karma and Dharma as outlined in the Bhagavad Gita.
Gabbard’s Hindu faith has remained central to her public and private life. She made history as the first Hindu elected to the US Congress in 2013, taking her oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita. Over the years, she has actively promoted cultural and spiritual practices, including her advocacy for International Yoga Day, recognised by the United Nations in 2014.
Her commitment to Hinduism extends beyond personal practice; she gifted a copy of the Bhagavad Gita to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his US visit, symbolising her respect for her heritage and India-US ties. Political Career: Independent and Controversial Gabbard’s political journey began at the age of 21 when she was elected to the Hawaii House of Representatives, becoming the youngest legislator in Hawaii’s history. Her tenure in Congress (2013–2021) was marked by a willingness to challenge party norms.
Serving as vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), she resigned in 2016 to endorse Senator Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign, demonstrating her commitment to principles over partisanship. Her presidential campaign in 2020 focused on ending military interventionism, highlighting her opposition to the US’s involvement in prolonged conflicts. Gabbard’s departure from the Democratic Party in 2022 underscored her dissatisfaction with its direction, which she described as dominated by “elitist warmongers” and divisive ideologies.
Her subsequent alignment with conservative values, including endorsements of Donald Trump and Republican candidates, signalled a significant ideological shift. Foreign Policy: Bold and Divisive Stances Gabbard’s foreign policy positions have often courted controversy. She has consistently criticised US military intervention, arguing that it destabilises regions and fuels extremism.
Her scepticism of American actions in Syria and her meeting with Bashar al-Assad in 2017 drew sharp rebukes, while her opposition to NATO expansion and her critique of US policies regarding Russia and Ukraine sparked further debate. Regarding Islamist terrorism, Gabbard has been unapologetic in her condemnation. She has labelled groups like Hamas as radical organisations and expressed strong support for Israel, particularly following Hamas’ attacks in 2023.
Her rhetoric against Islamist extremism has resonated with conservative audiences but has also drawn criticism for its perceived divisiveness. Championing Hindu and Indian Causes Gabbard’s connection to India and advocacy for Hindu issues have been a hallmark of her career. She has spoken out against Pakistan’s support for terrorism and called for accountability in cases like the 2021 violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
Her solidarity with Kashmiri Pandits and vocal support for their plight underscore her alignment with Hindu causes on the global stage. Her meeting with Prime Minister Modi and support for Yoga Day highlight her commitment to strengthening India-US relations. These efforts have endeared her to Indian Americans and fostered goodwill between the two democracies.
A Polarising Appointment President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to nominate Gabbard as DNI underscores her reputation as a fearless and independent thinker. Trump praised her military service and bold spirit, signalling his trust in her to lead the intelligence community. However, the nomination has drawn mixed reactions.
Critics point to her lack of direct intelligence experience and her controversial stances on Russia, Syria, and China. Supporters, meanwhile, argue that her independent mindset and calls for intelligence reform could bring much-needed accountability to the sector. The global response has been equally polarised.
Russian state media celebrated her nomination, citing her alignment with Moscow’s geopolitical perspectives. Conversely, US national security experts have expressed concerns about her perceived sympathy toward adversaries like Russia and her ability to navigate complex intelligence challenges. On India-US Relations With Gabbard becoming DNI, her influence on India-US relations will be expected to grow.
Her leadership could potentially deepen bilateral ties, particularly in defense, technology, and cultural exchange. Tulsi Gabbard’s affinity for India and its culture, coupled with her commitment to fostering stronger bilateral ties, positions her as a significant figure in shaping the India-US partnership. As the first practicing Hindu member of Congress, Gabbard’s understanding of Indian culture and values offers a unique bridge between the two nations.
Her advocacy for shared democratic principles, religious tolerance, and combating terrorism aligns closely with India’s core interests. Her support for India has been evident in her strong condemnation of Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism and her vocal criticism of the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh in 2021. Gabbard’s calls for global recognition of the plight of Kashmiri Pandits and her unwavering support for India’s stance on Kashmir demonstrate her understanding of India’s geopolitical challenges.
Moreover, her promotion of International Yoga Day underscores her commitment to fostering cultural diplomacy between the two countries. As Director of National Intelligence, Gabbard may further align US intelligence and security policies with India’s concerns, particularly in counterterrorism and regional stability. Her close ties with Prime Minister Modi and proactive engagement with Indian leaders could catalyse deeper strategic, economic, and cultural collaboration.
This alignment has the potential to usher in a new era of partnership, marked by mutual respect and shared aspirations for global peace and security. Multifaceted Legacy Tulsi Gabbard’s journey from a young legislator in Hawaii to a key player in American politics is a testament to her resilience and conviction. Her military service, deep spiritual roots, and fearless political stances have set her apart as a trailblazer.
While her nomination as DNI sparks debate, it also highlights her unique position as a leader willing to challenge norms and forge her path. Gabbard’s story is one of courage and complexity, a blend of diverse influences that have shaped her into a figure of global significance. As she steps into a pivotal role, her legacy will likely continue to inspire and provoke in equal measure, leaving an indelible mark on the political landscape of the United States and its relationship with the world.
The writer is the director of the Centre for Legislative Research and Advocacy, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.
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