RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasises oneness of Sanatan Dharma in NYC event

NEW DELHI, Aug 30: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, addressing a packed event in Madison Square, highlighted the inclusiveness of Sanatan Dharma, saying that there can be no Bharat with only one religion.

In comments seen as a subtle dig at New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's opposition to his presence in the city, Bhagwat said: "If any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslim in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu. If you call yourself Hindu, you must believe all paths are leading to the same goal ..There is no difference between human beings. The reality is we are one.''

His comments come a few days after the Indian-origin Mayor voiced his opposition to the event, and referred to the RSS saying he was very troubled with the rise of the "movement that is predicated on an exclusionary vision". Mamdani said that while he did not support the rally, he did not have the authority to cancel it either due to it being a private event.

In other remarks, Bhagwat, addressing the "One World One Humanity" gathering, remarked that Swami Vivekananda has said that every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to accomplish, and a destiny to fulfil. "Bharat is there to realise, and from time to time make the world realise this unity in diversity."

Exhorting Indian Americans to do their duty by the country they live in, Bhagwat said: "We are in America, we live in America and we earn in America. So we are American. And we should behave true to America. The Bharatiya diaspora have a duty to their karmabhumi. They must fulfil that. They must be loyal to their karmabhumi."

The event was attended by over 180 faith leaders from across the world. The RSS chief featured as the keynote speaker. It was also attended by Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra.

Earlier, Bhagwat was welcomed to the stage as the chief speaker, and greeted with thunderous applause as he got up to make his address.

Describing politics as increasingly becoming a game of "me and mine", Bhagwat emphasised the need to build a more inclusive society. He said: "I am sorry to say, but the fact is that politics has now become a game of self-interest. And, as you rightly said, where there is 'me and mine', there is no solution. 'We and ours' is the solution. So, our experience in Bharat is that we have to start with society. We have already started this. After 2018, following my speech, many people responded... to build societies that can withstand these attractions and views."

On the need to resist becoming a solely materialistic individual, the RSS chief said: "Habits should be changed so radically, and new habits should be so strong that they can counter these attractions towards material happiness, the desire to be an influential person or group, and a sense of superiority. All these things cause disturbances."

Regarding the motto of unity in diversity that defines India, he said: "There are many names in many Bharatiya traditions, but it is the truth that connects us all. In spite of our different bodies, different attires, different worships, everything being different, like the beads in a necklace woven through a single thread, this Atman is in everybody and it connects us all."

On the RSS as an organisation, Bhagwat said: "RSS serves without discrimination or publicity. Around 1.30 lakh small and large service projects are being run by our swayamsevaks."

The event was organised by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) Forum.

(UNI)