A large demonstration took place outside Madison Square Garden in New York as RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat attended a Hindu cultural event.
The gathering, titled the “Universal Oneness Celebration”, was organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue. Organisers presented it as a celebration of Hindu culture and the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means the world is one family.
However, the event faced strong opposition from several Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Dalit and civil-rights groups. Protesters accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of promoting a Hindu-majoritarian vision of India.
Protesters Challenge RSS Image
Demonstrators gathered under the banner “Hindus Say No to the RSS”. They called for a secular and inclusive India while raising concerns about the treatment of religious minorities.
Protesters argued that the message of universal brotherhood promoted at the event conflicted with what they described as the RSS’s record in India. They accused the organisation of contributing to communal tensions and discrimination against minority communities.
Sravya Tadepalli of Hindus for Human Rights described Bhagwat’s visit as an effort to improve the organisation’s international image. She also accused the RSS of having links to violence against minorities.
The controversy gained attention even before Bhagwat arrived in New York. Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly opposed the event and criticised what he described as an exclusionary vision of India.
However, Mamdani acknowledged that the city might not have the legal authority to prevent a privately organised gathering.
US Religious Freedom Commission Raises Concerns
The dispute also reached Washington as the US Commission on International Religious Freedom called for Bhagwat’s visa to be revoked.
The commission further urged the Trump administration to consider targeted sanctions against RSS members and Indian officials.
Meanwhile, thousands of people attended the event inside Madison Square Garden. Supporters described it as an opportunity to celebrate Hindu culture and promote global unity.
The competing messages surrounding Bhagwat’s appearance highlighted a wider debate over Hindu nationalism, religious freedom and the political identity of India.
For protesters, the event raised concerns about giving an international platform to an organisation they view as exclusionary. Organisers and supporters, however, presented the gathering as a celebration of culture, unity and Hindu values.
