27 August,2026 12:32 PM IST | New York | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/PTI
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has defended its chief Mohan Bhagwat's upcoming address in New York as an inclusive interfaith engagement, amid criticism from Mayor Zohran Mamdani and several groups demanding the cancellation of the event at Madison Square Garden.
RSS national publicity chief Sunil Ambekar said Bhagwat would engage with people from different faiths and cultural backgrounds at the "Universal Oneness Celebration" scheduled for August 29.
The event has drawn opposition from several US-based advocacy groups and activists, while Bhagwat's supporters have launched a counter-campaign urging people to oppose efforts to cancel the programme.
"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.
The remarks marked the RSS's clearest response so far to the controversy surrounding Bhagwat's visit and calls from some groups in the US for Madison Square Garden to cancel the event.
The gathering is being organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD Forum), with the participation of more than 100 US-based 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 and was welcomed by representatives of the Universal Oneness Celebration, according to the event's official X account.
The programme is expected to draw around 5,000 members of the Indian diaspora, according to media reports. However, organisers have not released a detailed speaking schedule or a complete list of participants.
Mamdani has publicly opposed the event, citing 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 said, however, that the city might not have the authority to stop a privately organised programme.
"I don't support the rally, but I don't know if the city has any jurisdiction on cancelling a private event," Mamdani said.
Madison Square Garden has not announced any change to the programme, and Bhagwat's address is expected to go ahead as scheduled on August 29.
Hindus for Human Rights has launched a campaign asking supporters to contact 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, along with 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 as opposition to the event intensified.
Brad Lander, a former New York City comptroller and Democratic congressional nominee, also joined the criticism.
"There is no room for Mohan Bhagwat and RSS hatred in our city," Lander said.
Supporters of Bhagwat have responded with a counter-campaign, urging members of the community to contact Madison Square Garden and oppose demands for the programme's cancellation.
American singer Mary Millben also criticised Mamdani and accused opponents of targeting Bhagwat because of their opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The New York programme forms part of the RSS's international outreach during its centenary year. Bhagwat's overseas visit includes engagements in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom and is being undertaken at the invitation of overseas community organisations.
(With inputs from IANS)
