NEW YORK — Mohan Bhagwat, leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is scheduled to speak Aug. 29 at the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden. Organizers promote the event around the Hindu philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — "the world is one family" — emphasizing diversity and dialogue.
Critics say the event obscures the RSS's record. Faith groups, advocacy organizations and Dalit rights groups accuse the RSS of promoting discriminatory policies and inciting violence against Muslims, Christians and Sikhs in India. Protests are planned outside the venue.
"The RSS has normalized mob violence against Muslims, attacks on Muslim men in relationships with Hindu women and the bulldozing of Muslim homes," said Safa Ahmed, a Muslim community organizer who traveled to New York for demonstrations.
Ahmed said the event organizers' message of unity contradicts "the bloody reality faced by minorities in India."
Sravya Tadepalli, deputy executive director of Hindus for Human Rights, called the event part of a "goodwill tour to improve the public image of the RSS." She described the RSS as a "fascist paramilitary organisation that has engaged in decades of communal violence against religious minorities in South Asia."
Tadepalli said the event presents itself as celebrating Hindu history with emphasis on inclusivity, but "in reality, the RSS advocates for the exact opposite."
The American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD Forum), a nonprofit, hosts the Universal Oneness Celebration.
Hindu nationalist groups are expanding their influence in the United States, home to approximately 2.5 million Hindus, advocates say. They employ cultural celebrations and campaigns highlighting anti-Hindu discrimination to soften the RSS's image.
The RSS is widely regarded as the ideological parent of India's Bharatiya Janata Party, which has governed India since 2014 and pursued policies reshaping the country along Hindu nationalist lines.
Hindu nationalist leaders have also cultivated ties with Western far-right figures, emphasizing shared concerns about Islam and secular institutions. BJP Vice President Ram Madhav cited India as a model for Western conservatives at the 2024 National Conservatism Conference in Washington.
The RSS said the event has been organized in a spirit of open dialogue and invited anyone interested in learning more about the organization. Bhagwat will also inaugurate the 100,000th meal served by the Zero Hunger New York initiative during his visit.
