Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Bhagwat Says Bharat Must Demonstrate Unity In Diversity
Mohan Bhagwat spoke at a large event in New York about India’s idea of unity in diversity.
He said people can have different languages, religions and lifestyles while still being connected.
He believes Bharat has a special mission to show the world how this can work.
Bhagwat said differences should be celebrated, respected and accepted.
He also said people should care about others, including those who are suffering.
He described dharma as a principle that helps people, society and nature progress together.
He told Indians living abroad to first be responsible citizens in the countries where they live.
He said they can help India too when they have the time and means.
The event was supported by diaspora groups but criticised by some activists and New York officials who questioned the RSS’s view of India.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said unity and diversity are both embedded in Bharat’s identity.
Speaking at Madison Square Garden, he described Bharat’s destiny as helping the world recognise unity amid diversity.
He urged people to celebrate, respect and accept differences while maintaining a sense of oneness.
Bhagwat said Indian diaspora members should fulfil their responsibilities in their countries of residence before assisting Bharat.
The event drew criticism from New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and interfaith and civil-rights groups over the RSS’s perceived exclusionary vision.
- Who
- RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed members of the Indian diaspora and other attendees.
- What
- He presented unity in diversity as Bharat’s civilisational mission and urged people to demonstrate it through their conduct.
- When
- Saturday local time; the reports were published on August 30, 2026.
- Where
- The Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York.
- Why
- The event promoted universal values, cross-cultural dialogue and collective action as part of the RSS’s centenary-year international outreach.
Supporters’ View
Critics’ View
Meaning of unity in diversity
Supporters’ View
Bhagwat and supporters presented Bharat as a civilisation that embraces differences while recognising an underlying human oneness.
Critics’ View
Critics questioned whether the RSS’s vision is compatible with a pluralistic and secular India, describing it as potentially exclusionary.
Role of the Indian diaspora
Supporters’ View
Bhagwat said diaspora members should be loyal and responsible citizens in their countries of residence while preserving values associated with Bharat.
Critics’ View
The controversy surrounding the event reflected concerns among interfaith and civil-rights groups about the political and ideological message being presented to diaspora communities.
Event in New York
Supporters’ View
Organisers described the gathering as an opportunity for cross-cultural dialogue and collective action around universal values.
Critics’ View
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he did not support the rally, while noting uncertainty about whether the city had jurisdiction to cancel a private event; advocacy groups called for its cancellation.
- Speaker
- Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
- Event
- Universal Oneness Celebration
- Venue
- Madison Square Garden, New York
- Central message
- Bhagwat said unity and diversity are both part of Bharat’s DNA and that diversity should be celebrated, respected and accepted.
- Diaspora responsibility
- He said Indians abroad should first fulfil their duties toward their countries of residence, while contributing to Bharat when they have the means.
- Additional themes
- His remarks addressed material happiness, charitable distribution, human responsibility, dharma and environmental care.
- Tour
- Bhagwat’s outreach tour covered the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
- Attendance and criticism
- One report estimated attendance at about 5,000; the event was criticised by Zohran Mamdani and several interfaith and civil-rights groups.
Sources
Unity in Diversity in India's DNA: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat at US Event
'Unity and diversity both in Bharat’s DNA': Mohan Bhagwat
‘Bharat’s destiny is to make world realise unity in diversity’: Mohan Bhagwat at New York event