City of Frederick in Maryland (USA) has applauded distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed’s contributions “to better the lives of others”.

A testimonial signed by Mayor Randy McClement and carrying the city seal and presented to Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, said: “We applaud the contributions you make to better the lives of others.”

It further stated: “We honor those who work to build relationships that respect the dignity and worth of every human being. May you and your achievements be an example and inspiration to all.”

Rajan Zed opened the Board of Aldermen of Frederick, second-largest city of Maryland founded in 1745 and incorporated in 1817, with its first historic Hindu prayer on June 19; reciting from Rig-Veda, the oldest scripture of the world still in common use, besides lines from Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), both ancient Hindu scriptures.

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 about 15-million Roma (Gypsies) in Europe. He is bestowed with World Interfaith Leader Award.

City of Frederick, whose tagline is "The City of Clustered Spires" and was founded by German settlers, claims to offer “a quality of life that is nothing short of enviable”, and houses National Cancer Institute and is known for its award-winning 40-block historic district. Notable people associated with Fredrick include first President of Congress John Hanson, US Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney, inventor of first electronic digital computer John Vincent Atanasoff, singer Patsy Cline, actor Shawn Hatosy and jazz musician Lester Bowie.