Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is currently in New York. He is scheduled to deliver a speech at Madison Square Garden as part of the ‘Universal Oneness Celebrations’ event. This gathering aims to promote unity and inclusivity among diverse communities.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Mamdani stressed his opposition to the rally but pointed out that the city’s government likely did not have the jurisdiction to cancel a private event. The Times Square display came amid growing attention around Bhagwat’s New York visit. Earlier reporting noted: Video shared by PTI showed his image prominently displayed at the iconic Manhattan location ahead of the August 29 programme. Earlier reporting noted: The programme is scheduled from 2 pm to 5:30 pm local time (11:30 pm to 3 am IST) and includes cultural performances, music and artistic presentations. Earlier reporting noted: Ahead of the programme, Bhagwat visited the ISKCON temple at 26 Second Avenue in New York on Friday, where he offered a garland to Srila Prabhupada and participated in a food distribution initiative for homeless people.
The event, which being organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) forum, has kicked up a row amid opposition from some US-based Hindu organisations and also after remarks made by New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani. “It has been incredibly troubling to see the rise of a movement that is predicated on an exclusionary vision of any country, frankly. The invite-based event will have more than 5,000 attendees, according to the programme’s website that describes the event as ‘a one-of-a-kind celebration..
The event will have a cultural program that includes performances, music, and artistic expressions, according to the event website. “Through performance and creative expression, attendees will experience — not merely hear — what it means to hold all of creation as one,” it said. Ahead of the event, New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani said that it was “incredibly troubling” to see the rise of a movement in India that was based on what he called an “exclusionary vision”. So it is one that I find myself in deep opposition to,” he said.
