Washington, August 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has arrived in the United States to attend the Universal Oneness Celebration in New York on August 29, a gathering organised around the themes of unity, civic responsibility, mutual respect and global harmony.
Bhagwat was welcomed by members of the event’s organising team following his arrival, according to organisers. The gathering is being presented by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) Forum along with a large coalition of Hindu American cultural, spiritual, service, faith and community organisations.
The event will coincide with Raksha Bandhan and will centre on the ancient Indian concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning “The World Is One Family”. Organisers say the programme will promote dialogue, shared responsibility, community service and respect across communities.
More than 200 Hindu American organisations have been announced as part of the coalition supporting the event. The programme will include cultural performances and speakers representing different faith and community backgrounds. Bhagwat is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
The gathering is also expected to highlight the contributions of Hindu Americans to education, healthcare, business, public service, philanthropy and civic life. Participants are expected to include community leaders, entrepreneurs, physicians, educators, lawyers, artists, elected representatives, youth leaders, veterans and volunteers.
Bhagwat, who has headed the RSS as its Sarsanghchalak since 2009, is undertaking a wider overseas outreach visit covering the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom during the organisation’s centenary year.
The RSS, founded in Nagpur in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, describes itself as a volunteer-based social and cultural organisation involved in community service, education, disaster relief, rural development and other social initiatives.
Bhagwat’s appearance in New York is expected to attract wider attention amid debate over the RSS and its ideology. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has publicly opposed the planned event, while acknowledging that the city may not have the legal authority to prevent the private gathering.
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