Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Bhagwat Links Krishna Consciousness to Global Harmony in New York
Mohan Bhagwat, the leader of the RSS, visited a Krishna temple in New York.
He helped with a program that distributed food to homeless people.
He told people that Krishna consciousness could help unite people.
He said the world has many disagreements and differences.
In his view, believing that everything is connected to Krishna could make the world more peaceful.
Bhagwat will later speak at an event in Madison Square Garden.
The event is part of programs marking 100 years of the RSS.
Some people, including New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, have criticized or opposed the event.
Supporters say it will bring people from different religions and cultures together.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat visited the ISKCON temple in New York during his three-nation tour.
Bhagwat said Krishna consciousness could help overcome conflicts, divisions and dualities.
He participated in a food distribution initiative for homeless people at the temple.
Bhagwat is scheduled to address the Indian community at Madison Square Garden on August 29.
The event has drawn criticism, while organizers and supporters describe it as an interfaith gathering promoting harmony.
- Who
- RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, ISKCON devotees, event organizers, critics and supporters.
- What
- Bhagwat visited an ISKCON temple, joined food distribution for homeless people and promoted Krishna consciousness as a source of unity.
- When
- The temple visit took place on Friday during Bhagwat's ongoing US tour; his Madison Square Garden address is scheduled for August 29.
- Where
- The visit took place at the ISKCON temple in New York; the upcoming event will be held at Madison Square Garden.
- Why
- Bhagwat said Krishna consciousness could help people overcome conflicts and divisions and create a more harmonious world.
Critics and Cautious Observers
Organizers and Supporters
Whether the event should proceed
Critics and Cautious Observers
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he did not support the RSS event and questioned whether the city administration had jurisdiction to cancel it. The Hindu American Foundation also issued a security advisory ahead of the gathering.
Organizers and Supporters
Organizers describe the program as a privately organized event and an interfaith gathering for a diverse, multicultural and multi-faith audience.
Meaning of the gathering
Critics and Cautious Observers
Those protesting the event have expressed criticism, and the event has drawn opposition in New York.
Organizers and Supporters
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Shri Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj said the gathering would promote universal fraternity and harmony, reflecting the belief that the world is one family.
Role of Krishna consciousness
Critics and Cautious Observers
The reported criticism indicates that some observers do not share the event's framing or support for the RSS program.
Organizers and Supporters
Bhagwat said Krishna consciousness can unite people across differences and help create a better, more harmonious world.
- Visitor
- Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
- Temple visit
- Bhagwat visited the ISKCON temple in New York
- Community initiative
- He participated in food distribution for homeless people
- Upcoming event
- Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden on August 29
- Tour itinerary
- A three-nation outreach tour covering the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom
- Criticism
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he did not support the RSS event
- Security advisory
- The Hindu American Foundation urged attendees to remain vigilant and keep interactions civil