New York: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has defended its chief Mohan Bhagwat’s forthcoming address in New York as an inclusive interfaith engagement, rejecting criticism from Mayor Zohran Mamdani and groups campaigning to cancel the Madison Square Garden event.
Sunil Ambekar, the organisation’s national publicity chief, said that Bhagwat would communicate with people from different faiths and cultural backgrounds at the “Universal Oneness Celebration” on August 29.
“The Universal Oneness Celebration in New York exemplifies an interfaith gathering where RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat ji will communicate with a diverse, multicultural, and multi-faith audience,” Ambekar said in a post on X.
“Organised in the spirit of open dialogue and mutual respect, the event reflects Bharatiya ethos which is fundamentally inclusive and welcoming to all.
“This initiative is in line with longstanding tradition of engagement by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) with varied communities across India and the world, fostering understanding and shared purpose.
“We invite anyone interested in learning more about the RSS vision and philosophy to participate in these open forums of dialogue,” Ambekar said.
His remarks amounted to the RSS’s clearest response to the controversy surrounding Bhagwat’s visit and demands from several US-based groups that Madison Square Garden cancel the programme.
The gathering is being organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue, or AHEAD Forum, with the participation of more than 100 US organisations.
Organisers have promoted the programme around the message that “The world is one family”. AHEAD has described the gathering as being “united in oneness and enriched by diversity”.
Bhagwat arrived at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on Tuesday. He was welcomed by representatives of the Universal Oneness Celebration, according to the event’s official X account.
The programme is expected to attract about 5,000 members of the Indian diaspora, according to media reports. The organisers have not released a detailed speaking schedule or a complete list of participants.
Mamdani has said he opposes the event because of what he described as the RSS’s ideological outlook.
“It has been incredibly troubling to see the rise of a movement that is predicated on an exclusionary vision of any country, frankly,” the New York mayor said.
He indicated, however, that the city may not have the authority to prevent the private programme from taking place.
“I don’t support the rally, but I don’t know if the city has any jurisdiction on cancelling a private event,” Mamdani said.
Hindus for Human Rights has launched a campaign asking its supporters to telephone Madison Square Garden and demand the cancellation of Bhagwat’s appearance.
“Take 5 minutes. Call Madison Square Garden,” the group said in a post using the hashtag “NoHateAtMSG”.
The Indian American Muslim Council, Savera: United Against Supremacy and several Sikh, Dalit, Muslim and civil rights activists have also opposed the gathering. Demonstrators held a protest and news conference outside New York City Hall on Tuesday.
Brad Lander, a former New York City comptroller and Democratic congressional nominee, joined the criticism.
“There is no room for Mohan Bhagwat and RSS hatred in our city,” Lander said.
Supporters of Bhagwat have launched a counter-campaign urging community members to contact Madison Square Garden and oppose the cancellation demand.
Popular American singer Mary Millben also criticised Mamdani and accused opponents of targeting Bhagwat because of their opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Madison Square Garden has not announced any change to the programme. Bhagwat’s address is expected to proceed as scheduled on Saturday.
The visit is part of the RSS centenary-year international outreach and includes the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Bhagwat is visiting at the invitation of overseas community organisations.
–IANS
lkj/sd/
Kashmiri diaspora protest outside Norway Parliament, condemns Pak forces’ brutalities in PoK
Oslo: Several members of the Kashmiri diaspora in Norway staged a demonstration outside the Norwegian Parliament condemning the brutalities and killing of innocent civilians by Pakistani forces in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir...
Indian-American leader welcomes RSS chief’s US visit, says it offers opportunity for dialogue over ‘Sikh issues’
Washington: Sikh American leader Jasdip Singh Jassee has welcomed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s high-profile visit to the United States, saying it offers an opportunity to explain the organisation’s mission and...
Iran’s President says Washington must change tone, approach toward Tehran
Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that the United States must change its tone and approach toward Iran. "The US reliance on coercion and bullying will only complicate...
Syria welcomes its removal from US list of state terror sponsors
Damascus: Syria welcomed the US decision to remove the country from Washington's list of state sponsors of terrorism, calling the move an important step toward ending decades of isolation. ...
Iran’s currency hits record low as US moves to unveil new sanctions
Tehran: Iran's currency plunged to a record low on the open market, hours before the US announcement of a new wave of sanctions aimed at further isolating Tehran. The...
Iran says violating vessels to face restrictions on future passages through Hormuz Strait
Tehran: Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), the body responsible for maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, announced on Sunday that vessels violating Iranian protocols for transiting the waterway...
Iran announces discovery of major gas reserves in southern province
Tehran: Iran has announced that it has discovered more than 212 billion cubic metres of natural gas reserves in the southern Fars province. Petroleum Minister Mohsen Paknejad told state...
India, GCC discuss cooperation, regional and global developments
Riyadh: India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held discussions on cooperation between the two sides, including Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. The discussions took place during a meeting...
Iran warns countries against joining US ‘economic pressure campaign’
Tehran: A senior Iranian security official on Saturday warned neighbouring countries and other states against joining the United States in its "economic pressure campaign" against his nation, saying Tehran would...
Israel informs US of possible Turkish radar deployment in Syrian airbase
Jerusalem: Israel told the United States that Turkey was preparing to deploy a radar system and air-defense assets at a Syrian airbase, Israel's state-owned Kan TV News reported. Israeli...
Egypt, Iran discuss efforts to resume diplomatic track for regional de-escalation
Cairo: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi held a phone call to discuss the latest regional developments and ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions....
Iran’s weaponry, defence equipment production doubles in past 12 months: Tehran
Tokyo: Iran's weaponry and defence equipment production has doubled over the past 12 months, a senior official has said. In an interview with state-run IRIB TV on Friday evening (local...
