Washington: In a historic move, Kash Patel was sworn in as the ninth director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) by placing his hand on the Bhagavad Gita, a gesture that sparked widespread appreciation from Hindus around the world in February.

Attorney General Pam Bondi administered the oath to Patel, instructing, “Place your hand on the Gita and raise your right hand.” Patel’s girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, held the Bhagavad Gita as he took the oath in the Indian Treaty Room at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on February 21, with his family members in attendance. Patel, at 44, becomes the first Hindu-Indian and Asian descent person to head the FBI.

Social media erupted with praise as users celebrated Patel’s decision to take the oath on the Bhagavad Gita, a revered Hindu scripture that has long been a guiding text on righteous leadership, justice, and moral fortitude -- qualities seen as essential in restoring trust in the FBI.

A user took to X and wrote, “What a time to be alive. Krishna is now in charge.” Another posted, “Kash Patel sworn in as FBI Director on the Bhagavad Gita -- A new era of leadership.”

“In a historic moment for both American governance and Hindu representation, Kash Patel takes the oath of office as FBI Director, placing his hand on the Bhagavad Gita -- a symbol of duty, integrity, and unwavering resolve,” read another post.

Another user noted, “Kash Patel was sworn in as Director of the FBI on February 21, 2025. During the ceremony, he placed his hand on the Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture. This choice reflected his Indian heritage and personal beliefs.”

Hindus across the globe expressed pride, with one user posting, “We Hindus love our religion. FBI Director Kash, pray for your success.” Another wrote, “Sanatan values shine at the heart of America’s intelligence! This is more than an oath -- it’s a statement!”

Kash Patel is not the first Indian-American to take an oath of office on the Gita. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam also did so, while Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu-American elected to the US House of Representatives, set the precedent.

Drawing parallels with Gabbard, a user remarked, “The new FBI Director, Kash Patel, took his oath on the Bhagavad Gita, following the example of Tulsi Gabbard.”

Another user highlighted the cultural significance, saying, “Kash Patel, the new FBI Director, took oath on the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, following in the footsteps of Tulsi Gabbard, showcasing the significance of Indian culture and spirituality in American politics!”

Some drew comparisons to India, with one user writing, “Kash Patel took oath on the Bhagavad Gita -- what’s stopping India from doing the same? India is a Hindu nation. The Bhagavad Gita is sacred to Hindus. This change needs to be initiated by the President of India.”