Archive · 29 Aug 2026
HSS USA’s RSS Links Spotlighted Before Bhagwat’s New York Event
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA, or HSS USA, is a nonprofit group that organizes cultural, educational and service activities for Hindu Americans.
It says it is a separate American organization, although it is inspired by traditions linked to the RSS.
The RSS is an Indian organization led by Mohan Bhagwat.
HSS USA says it has groups in many US states and cities.
Bhagwat is visiting the United States during the RSS’s centenary year.
He is expected to speak at a large event in New York on August 29.
The event will include cultural performances, prayers, interfaith participation and a Raksha Bandhan ceremony.
Supporters say it will promote unity and dialogue.
Critics worry that the event could spread an exclusionary political ideology.
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA is a registered US nonprofit that says it operates independently while drawing inspiration from Hindu traditions associated with the RSS.
HSS USA says it has 267 centres or shakhas across 33 states and 186 cities, plus 85 Hindu Yuva university chapters.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is visiting the United States during the RSS centenary year as part of an international outreach tour.
The August 29 Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden is expected to draw more than 5,000 people and include cultural, interfaith and religious activities.
Supporters describe the event as inclusive, while critics object to the RSS’s ideology and its record concerning religious minorities in India.
- Who
- RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, HSS USA, the AHEAD Forum and more than 200 participating Hindu American organizations.
- What
- Bhagwat’s US visit and the Universal Oneness Celebration, alongside scrutiny of HSS USA’s relationship with the RSS.
- When
- The event is scheduled for August 29; Bhagwat’s visit is part of the RSS’s centenary-year outreach tour.
- Where
- The main event will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York.
- Why
- Organizers say the gathering will promote Hindu culture, dialogue, unity, civic responsibility and interfaith engagement; critics are concerned about RSS ideology and religious-minority issues.
Supporters and Organizers
Critics and Opponents
Purpose of the gathering
Supporters and Organizers
Supporters describe the celebration as an inclusive platform for Hindu culture, community service, interfaith engagement, dialogue and unity.
Critics and Opponents
Critics say the event gives visibility to the RSS and raises concerns about the international spread of Hindutva politics.
RSS ideology
Supporters and Organizers
The RSS and its supporters say their work focuses on Hindu cultural identity, social service and national and civilisational unity, and reject claims that they promote discrimination.
Critics and Opponents
Critics describe the RSS’s ideology as exclusionary and cite concerns about its record regarding religious minorities in India.
Bhagwat’s appearance
Supporters and Organizers
Organizers and supporters defend Bhagwat’s keynote appearance as part of an effort to engage Hindu and Indian-origin communities and encourage dialogue.
Critics and Opponents
Some US groups have protested the appearance, called for sanctions against RSS members, or opposed the event; New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has also objected to it.
- HSS legal status
- Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA is registered as a US 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
- HSS stated reach
- HSS USA says it operates in 33 states and 186 cities.
- HSS centres
- The organization lists 267 centres or shakhas and 85 Hindu Yuva university chapters.
- Event
- Universal Oneness Celebration
- Event date and venue
- August 29 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
- Expected attendance
- Recent reports cited in the article say more than 5,000 people are expected.
- Event organizer
- American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue, or AHEAD, Forum.