The citation of award presented to Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, said: For your leadership and continued commitment to…our community. Your leadership…is a model for others to follow. You demonstrate the importance of being proud of who you are and what you do, you do not substitute words for action, and are willing to face any challenge to make…our community a safer place.

Reno Police Chief Steven Pitts listed Rajan Zed’s various activities in religious leadership on the occasion. “2011 was a year of unbelievable tragedy for our community. The stories and examples of true leadership and selflessness left an imprint on all of us”, Banquet brochure said.

Zed opened the Banquet with prayers from Rig-Veda, oldest existing scripture of mankind; and Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), both ancient Hindu scriptures; in Sanskrit followed by English translations.

Rajan Zed is a global Hindu and interfaith leader, who besides taking up the cause of religion worldwide, has also raised huge voice against the apartheid faced by 15-million Roma (Gypsies) in Europe. Bestowed with World Interfaith Leader Award; Zed is Senior Fellow and Religious Advisor to Foundation for Religious Diplomacy, Director Interfaith Relations of Nevada Clergy Association, Spiritual Advisor to National Association of Interchurch & Interfaith Families, etc.

The Reno Police Department is nationally recognized as a model for Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving.

Details of the picture attached: Rajan Zed (middle) seen with the award on the occasion flanked by Reno Mayor Robert Cashell (right) and Reno Police Chief Steven Pitts (left).