New York, August 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has defended its chief Mohan Bhagwat’s forthcoming address in New York as an inclusive engagement, rejecting criticism from Mayor Zohran Mamdani and calls from several US-based groups to oppose the event.
RSS national publicity chief Sunil Ambekar said Bhagwat would interact with people from different faiths and cultural backgrounds at the “Universal Oneness Celebration” scheduled for August 29. The event is being organised by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) Forum and is centred on the theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family.
“The Universal Oneness Celebration in New York exemplifies an interfaith gathering where RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat ji will communicate with a diverse, multicultural, and multi-faith audience,” Ambekar said in a post on X.
He said the programme was being organised in the spirit of open dialogue and mutual respect and reflected what he described as the inclusive nature of Bharatiya ethos. He also invited those interested in understanding the RSS’s philosophy to participate in its forums for dialogue.
The event has nevertheless triggered controversy in New York. Mamdani has said he does not support Bhagwat’s appearance, describing the RSS’s ideological outlook as exclusionary. However, the mayor acknowledged that the city might not have jurisdiction to cancel a private event.
Several organisations and activists, including Hindus for Human Rights, the Indian American Muslim Council and groups representing Sikh, Dalit, Muslim and civil rights interests, have also opposed the gathering. Protests have been held in New York, while supporters of Bhagwat have launched a counter-campaign against calls for cancellation.
The event’s organisers say more than 200 Hindu American organisations are participating in the August 29 gathering, which will also feature cultural programmes and speakers representing different communities.
Bhagwat arrived in New York earlier this week as part of the RSS’s centenary-year international outreach, which also includes visits to Canada and the United Kingdom. The programme is expected to draw a large gathering of members of the Indian diaspora.
The controversy has not altered the scheduled programme, with Bhagwat’s address expected to take place on Saturday.
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