- The RSS said the event has been organised in the spirit of open dialogue and invited "anyone interested" in knowing more about the organisation to join the discussion.
- Mr. Bhagwat arrived in the US on Tuesday as part of the RSS' centenary-year global outreach programme and is scheduled to address around 5,000 people at the iconic MSG on August 29.
- The X handle of the event organiser AHEAD has been suspended ahead of Mohan Bhagwat's programme.
- AHEAD issued a statement suggesting the suspension may have been an error, asserting its communications promoted peace and harmony.
- The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has urged the Trump administration to revoke the visa issued to Mohan Bhagwat.
- USCIRF alleged that RSS subgroups have perpetrated violent attacks against religious minorities.
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani commented on the planned event, noting the city may lack jurisdiction to cancel the private event scheduled for August 29.
- The event reflects "Bharatiya" ethos which is fundamentally inclusive and welcoming to all, according to the RSS' national media and publicity head.
- The initiative aligns with the RSS's longstanding tradition of engagement with varied communities across India and the world, fostering understanding and shared purpose.
- The event comes amid a row over Mr. Bhagwat's visit to the U.S., with several interfaith and civil rights organisations, including Hindus for Human Rights, Indian American Muslim Council and Interfaith Centre of New York opposing his planned appearance at the Madison Square Garden event.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has organized a significant event featuring Mohan Bhagwat at Madison Square Garden on August 29, aimed at fostering open dialogue and inclusivity. The event, described as a Universal Oneness Celebration, is expected to attract over 5,000 attendees from diverse backgrounds.123
Despite the positive intentions, the event has faced backlash from various interfaith and civil rights organizations, including Hindus for Human Rights and the Indian American Muslim Council, who oppose Bhagwat's appearance due to concerns over the RSS's history of alleged violence against religious minorities. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has also expressed its concerns, urging the U.S. government to consider revoking Bhagwat's visa.15
In a statement, RSS spokesperson Mr. Ambekar emphasized the event's commitment to mutual respect and the Bharatiya ethos of inclusivity, inviting anyone interested in the RSS's vision to participate. However, the organizer, AHEAD Forum, faced a suspension of its X handle, which it claims may have been an error, asserting that their communications promote peace and dialogue.45
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged the controversy but noted that the city may lack jurisdiction to cancel the private event, which is set to showcase cultural programs alongside Bhagwat's address.
“The event, expected to draw over 5,000 Indian-Americans, comes as USCIRF urges the Trump administration to revoke Bhagwat's visa, alleging RSS subgroups perpetrated violent attacks on religious minorities. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani noted the city may lack jurisdiction to cancel the private gathering.”
Deccan Herald
