RSS chief Bhagwat addresses New York event

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York on August 29, 2026, organized by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD). In his nearly hour-long address to over 6,000 Indian-American community members and interfaith leaders, Bhagwat emphasized that 'unity in diversity' is embedded in Bharat's (India's) DNA. He argued that nations are not merely geographical entities but have distinct missions and destinies, and that India's destiny is to realize and help the world realize the principle of unity in diversity. He called for diversity to be celebrated, respected, and accepted while maintaining a feeling of oneness. Bhagwat also described dharma as the sustaining rule of the universe, not a religion, and urged the Indian diaspora to be loyal to their 'karmabhoomi' (land of action). The event is part of Bhagwat's three-nation global outreach tour to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, marking the RSS's centenary year.