Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Bhagwat Stresses Hindu Unity and Diversity at New York Event
Mohan Bhagwat is the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, or RSS.
He spoke at a large event in New York on August 29.
He said someone who wants Muslims removed from Bharat would not be following Hindu beliefs.
He said people can have different religions and backgrounds while still belonging to one human family.
Bhagwat called diversity something that should be respected and protected.
He also said India has a tradition of giving shelter to people from different faiths.
The event was based on the idea that the whole world is one family.
Thousands of Indian-Americans and community representatives attended or were expected to attend.
His visit was also part of the RSS’s centenary outreach in the United States.
Mohan Bhagwat said a Hindu who wants Muslims excluded from Bharat would cease to be Hindu.
He described unity in diversity as central to India’s identity and urged people to respect differences.
Bhagwat spoke on August 29 at the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The event promoted Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, shared heritage, civic responsibility, interfaith dialogue and global harmony.
His US visit formed part of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s centenary outreach and included community service activities.
- Who
- RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Indian-Americans, faith leaders and community representatives.
- What
- Bhagwat spoke about Hindu identity, religious coexistence, unity in diversity and shared humanity.
- When
- August 29; the year is not specified.
- Where
- The Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York.
- Why
- The event promoted shared heritage, civic responsibility, interfaith dialogue and global harmony as part of RSS centenary outreach.
- Event
- Universal Oneness Celebration
- Location
- Madison Square Garden, New York
- Organizer
- American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) Forum
- Central philosophy
- Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning “the world is one family”
- Expected attendance
- More than 5,000 people according to the official website; around 6,000 in a later fact sheet
- Participating organizations
- More than 250 Hindu-American organizations, according to organizers
- HSS USA presence
- The organization says it operates in 33 states and 186 cities, with 267 centers or shakhas and 85 university chapters
