New York, August 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian-American community leaders have praised RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s message on shared humanity, grassroots leadership and the diaspora’s responsibility towards family, cultural heritage and the environment.
Those who attended Bhagwat’s address in New York said he explained the work of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in simple terms while emphasising the importance of building local capacity and working together despite cultural and linguistic differences.
Jagdish Sewhani, president of the American India Public Affairs Committee, described Bhagwat’s address as a deeply memorable experience during his nearly four decades in the United States.
“Today is the most memorable day of my life,” Sewhani said, adding that Bhagwat spoke about Bharat, Sanatan traditions, Hindutva and the role of the Indian diaspora in the US.
Sewhani said Bhagwat’s discussion of sustainability, family life and individual responsibility had also resonated with attendees.
He said Bhagwat provided a simple explanation of the RSS for people unfamiliar with the organisation, describing its focus as developing karyakartas (volunteers) who subsequently undertake various forms of social work.
Anurag Mairal, president of the Sewa Bay Area chapter and a professor at Stanford School of Medicine, said the emphasis on developing volunteers particularly resonated with him.
“What he was saying was that Sangh focuses on developing people,” Mairal said, pointing to volunteer initiatives addressing health inequity, education equity and food insecurity.
Mairal also highlighted Bhagwat’s message on human unity, saying differences in culture and language should not prevent communities from working together to address social challenges.
He said the emphasis on empowering communities to solve local problems was particularly significant, arguing that a top-down approach does not always work.
Rakhi Israni, vice-president of public affairs for Sewa International and a California-based attorney, said Bhagwat stressed the importance of passing cultural knowledge and values to younger generations.
Narasimham Desika, a doctor and longtime RSS volunteer, said Bhagwat’s references to responsibilities towards family, cultural heritage and the environment were among the strongest elements of his address.
The RSS was founded in Nagpur in 1925 and is observing its centenary. Its volunteers and affiliated organisations are involved in areas including education, healthcare, disaster relief and community service.
Bhagwat has served as the organisation’s Sarsanghchalak since 2009. His US visit has included engagements with Indian-American community members focusing on the RSS, Hindu thought, social service and universal human unity.
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