- RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat told a faith leaders’ conference themed One World, One Humanity in New York that the perception of the Sangh being anti-Muslim was a misconception.
- Bhagwat, whose visit to New York has drawn opposition from activists including New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani, invoked his 2018 speech in Delhi to argue that Hindutva and the concept of a Hindu Rashtra are rooted in the idea of the ’unity of existence’.
- Bhagwat was later scheduled to address the Universal Oneness Celebration, hosted by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue, at Madison Square Garden.
- He is on a three-nation tour of the US, Canada and the UK as part of the RSS’s outreach programme during its centenary year.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, addressing a faith leaders’ conference in New York, stated that the notion of the Sangh being anti-Muslim is a misconception. He emphasized that Hindutva and the idea of a Hindu Rashtra are based on the unity of existence.12
Bhagwat remarked, “If any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslim in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu.” He stressed that to identify as Hindu, one must accept that all paths lead to the same goal and recognize the dignity of every human being.
He further stated, “I am not a religious scholar, nor a religious authority like you, but I am working in a society which traditionally says that religions might be different, but humanity is one.” Bhagwat's visit has drawn criticism from activists and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who oppose his presence in the city.
The RSS chief is on a three-nation tour of the US, Canada, and the UK as part of the organization’s outreach program during its centenary year. He was also scheduled to speak at the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden, hosted by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue.34
“Bhagwat's visit has drawn opposition from activists, including New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani. He is on a three-nation tour of the US, Canada and the UK as part of the RSS's outreach programme during its centenary year.”
