New York: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has addressed thousands of Indian Americans and interfaith leaders in New York, calling for unity, religious coexistence and respect for diversity.
Bhagwat delivered the message at the Universal Oneness Celebration, held at the Infosys Theatre inside Madison Square Garden on August 29. The programme was organised by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) Forum and reportedly attracted more than 6,000 people.
Bhagwat Calls for Religious Coexistence
Addressing the gathering, Bhagwat said Hindu philosophy recognises the dignity of every person and accepts that different religious paths can lead towards the same goal. He added that anyone seeking the exclusion of Muslims from India could not claim to follow the inclusive principles of Hinduism.
The RSS chief described diversity as an expression of humanity’s underlying unity and said different identities should be accepted, respected and protected.
Bhagwat also told Indian Americans to remain loyal to the United States as their “karmabhoomi,” or land of work, while continuing to uphold the cultural values of Bharat, their country of origin. He encouraged the diaspora to serve their communities and strengthen cooperation between India and the US.
Meetings Focus on Technology and Investment
During his New York visit, Bhagwat participated in a roundtable with business and industry leaders. Discussions reportedly covered telecommunications, space technology, clean energy, quantum computing, investment and the potential of India’s young workforce.
He also visited the New York ISKCON temple, regarded as the organisation’s birthplace, during its 60th-anniversary celebrations. Bhagwat joined a food-distribution initiative for homeless people and spoke about spirituality, service and conflict resolution.
Images of Bhagwat accompanied by the words “Resolve, Harmony and Dialogue” were displayed in Times Square before the Madison Square Garden programme.
Visit Draws Protests and Criticism
The visit also generated controversy. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani opposed the event, describing the RSS’s political vision as exclusionary, although he acknowledged that the city might lack jurisdiction to cancel a private programme. Several civil-rights and interfaith organisations also organised protests.
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom urged the American government to consider sanctions against RSS members and revoke Bhagwat’s visa. Its recommendations are advisory and had not resulted in action by the US government at the time of publication. The RSS rejects allegations of hostility towards minorities and describes itself as a cultural organisation.
Bhagwat’s visit forms part of an RSS centenary-year international outreach tour covering the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, aimed at engaging overseas Indian communities and explaining the organisation’s views.
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