Several X users including Indian author Ashwin Sanghi and vice president of ISKCON Kolkata Radharamn Das slammed a British daily for saying Tulsi Gabbard was a member of an “obscure religious cult”.
Ashwin Sanghi wrote: “Shameful. Tusli Gabbard is a “devotee of an obscure religious cult”? Hinduism has 1.2 billion followers and is the world’s oldest faith. And the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)—or the Hare Krishna movement—has millions of members!”
Radharamn Das wrote: “Shame on you, FT for calling Hare Krishna/ISKCON an ‘obscure religious cult.’ ISKCON is a branch of the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Sampradaya, a prominent tradition of Sanatan Dharma. ISKCON is the most prominent ambassador of the 1.2 billion Hindus worldwide. Tusli Gabbard is a proud Hindu & one of the proud followers of ISKCON’S founder Acharya A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupad.”
The outrage was hinged on whether the FT had referred to Hinduism or ISKCON as an “obscure cult”. Edward Luce, associate editor of FT and the author of the articlewrote, when asked if it was a reference to Hinduism: “No, The Science of Identity Foundation. But of course some outrage entrepreneurs have wilfully misinterpreted it.”
He wrote to another user: “Utter c****. She was raised in the Science of Identity Foundation, which is to Hinduism what, say, the Plymouth Brethren, or Jehovah’s Witnesses are to Christianity.”
Tulsi Gabbard and SIF
Tulsi Gabbard’s connection to the Science of Identity Foundation (SIF) has been a recurring topic of scrutiny throughout her political career and is now a focal point as she faces potential confirmation as Director of National Intelligence. The SIF, founded by Chris Butler, also known as Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa, is a controversial religious group described as an offshoot of the Hare Krishna movement. Its teachings blend traditional Hindu philosophy with a hierarchical structure centered on Butler as a spiritual authority. Critics have often labeled the organization as cult-like, citing allegations of authoritarian practices and intolerance.
Gabbard’s ties to SIF trace back to her upbringing. Raised in a family deeply involved with the organization, she reportedly viewed Butler as a spiritual mentor during her formative years. Her father, Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard, and her mother, Carol Gabbard, who once served as SIF’s treasurer, were also closely connected to the group. This association played a role in shaping Gabbard’s early religious and political perspectives.
However, as Gabbard matured, she began to distance herself from SIF. By her teenage years, she embarked on a spiritual journey that led her to fully embrace Hinduism, specifically the Vaishnava tradition. She has publicly stated that she no longer regards Butler as her guru and identifies instead with mainstream Hindu teachings centered on devotion to Krishna, the Supreme Lord in Vaishnavism. Gabbard’s participation in Hindu festivals, such as Diwali, and her consistent outreach to Hindu-American communities underscore her alignment with a broader, more inclusive Hindu identity.
This shift has not shielded her from criticism. Detractors argue that her upbringing in SIF raises concerns about potential undue influence on her political and professional decisions. During her 2020 presidential campaign, some critics claimed Butler and SIF affiliates played a role in her political ascent, though Gabbard has denied any active involvement by the group in her campaign.
Gabbard’s nomination has sparked opposition across the political spectrum. Concerns center on her ties to SIF and its controversial history, with critics questioning whether her association with a fringe religious group might bias her judgment in a high-level intelligence role. Former National Security Advisor John Bolton harshly criticized the nomination, calling it the “worst cabinet-level appointment in history,” citing both her affiliations and her perceived closeness to authoritarian figures like Vladimir Putin.
The controversy has reignited longstanding debates about religious influence in politics. Supporters argue that Gabbard’s religious background should not disqualify her from serving in public office. However, detractors point to SIF’s alleged authoritarian practices and Butler’s potential role in her political career as red flags.
The Senate confirmation process is expected to scrutinize Gabbard’s relationship with SIF extensively. Allegations that Butler may have used her as a political proxy heighten concerns about her impartiality and potential susceptibility to undue influence. These issues add to broader skepticism about her qualifications, fueled by her unorthodox political positions and contentious foreign policy stances.