6 days ago
Hindu Groups Issue Security Alerts Before Bhagwat New York Event
Mohan Bhagwat, the leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, is scheduled to speak at a New York event.
The event is called the Universal Oneness Celebration and is planned for August 29 at Madison Square Garden.
Some groups say the gathering should not happen and are planning protests.
The Hindu American Foundation told attendees to stay aware and remain civil.
It said people should avoid arguments and contact security or police if they feel threatened.
HinduACTion gave similar advice about reporting threats, harassment, or bigotry.
The event’s organizers describe it as an inclusive meeting for people of different faiths and cultures.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he does not support the event but was unsure whether the city could cancel it.
A US religious-freedom commission criticized India and the RSS, while India’s government rejected that criticism.
The Hindu American Foundation urged attendees at the August 29 event to remain vigilant and avoid confrontations.
HinduACTion separately asked people to document and promptly report threats, harassment, bigotry, vandalism, and other crimes.
Hindus for Human Rights and allied groups planned protests opposing the gathering and Bhagwat’s appearance.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he opposed the event but questioned whether New York City could cancel a private program.
USCIRF called for possible sanctions involving RSS members and Indian officials, while India rejected its assessments as biased.
- Who
- RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, the Hindu American Foundation, HinduACTion, protest groups including Hindus for Human Rights, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, USCIRF, and India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
- What
- Safety advisories were issued ahead of Bhagwat’s Universal Oneness Celebration, amid planned protests and opposition to the event.
- Where
- Madison Square Garden in New York City, with one report identifying the Infosys Theatre as the venue.
- When
- The event is scheduled for August 29; HAF’s advisory was issued on Wednesday, with one report dated August 27.
- Why
- The advisories followed planned protests, demands to cancel the gathering, and claims that activists had attempted to disrupt it; the reports did not identify a specific confirmed threat.
Supporters and organizers
Opponents and critics
Purpose of the event
Supporters and organizers
RSS publicity chief Sunil Ambekar described the gathering as an inclusive interfaith event for a diverse, multicultural, and multi-faith audience, centered on open dialogue and mutual respect.
Opponents and critics
Hindus for Human Rights and allied advocacy groups criticized Bhagwat and opposed the gathering, with protests planned outside the venue.
Whether the event should proceed
Supporters and organizers
Supporters argued that the program should proceed at the private Madison Square Garden venue; singer and actress Mary Millben said opponents could organize their own rally.
Opponents and critics
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he opposed the event, while Kshama Sawant and other groups urged that it be stopped or cancelled.
Assessment of the RSS and India
Supporters and organizers
India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected USCIRF’s statements as incorrect, provocative, biased, and lacking credibility.
Opponents and critics
USCIRF alleged that religious freedom was deteriorating in India and called for possible targeted sanctions against RSS members and Indian officials it said were involved in violations.
Key facts
- Event
- Universal Oneness Celebration
- Date
- August 29
- Venue
- Madison Square Garden, New York City
- Featured speaker
- Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
- Safety guidance
- Stay vigilant, keep interactions civil, avoid confrontations, and report threats or crimes to security or law enforcement
- Additional advisory
- HinduACTion urged people connected to Bhagwat’s visit to document and promptly report threats, harassment, or expressions of bigotry
- Event description
- RSS publicity chief Sunil Ambekar described it as an inclusive interfaith gathering focused on open dialogue and mutual respect
- USCIRF position
- The commission called for consideration of sanctions against RSS members and Indian officials, while India rejected its assessments as biased
Quotes
Hindu American Foundation
US-based Hindu American advocacy and educational organization
“COMMUNITY ADVISORY ALERT! HAF is issuing this security alert in advance of the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Stay vigilant, remain situationally aware, and keep interactions civil.”
deccanchronicle.com
thehansindia.com
m.rediff.com
“If you feel threatened, leave the area and contact event security or law enforcement. Call 911 in an emergency. Avoid confrontations or altercations with anyone making provocative or threatening statements.”
telegraphindia.com
Sravya Tadepalli
Deputy executive director of Hindus for Human Rights
“Mohan Bhagwat does not represent Hindus. He leads an extremist Hindu nationalist movement that has fuelled violence, exclusion and fear for minority communities.”
telegraphindia.com
“I don't support the rally, but I don't know if the city has any jurisdiction on cancelling a private event.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
Hindu American Foundation Issues Security Alert Ahead of Bhagwat's NYC Event
Hindu groups issue alert for RSS chief Bhagwat's New York event
HAF issues security alert ahead of RSS chief's Madison Square event
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s New York event to see protests; ‘be civil,’ Hindu group tells followers
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