Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), addressed the Indian diaspora in New York City on Saturday. He stated that India serves as the ‘janma bhumi’ or land of birth for the diaspora, while the countries they currently inhabit are their ‘karma bhumi,’ or land of duty. Bhagwat urged members of the diaspora to prioritize their responsibilities and maintain loyalty to their resident countries.
RSS Chief Urges Indian Diaspora to Balance Responsibilities
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has emphasized that Indians residing in the United States should embrace their roles as responsible Americans while maintaining the values instilled by their ‘janma bhumi’ or homeland. He stated that while their connection to India remains strong, any assistance towards their country of birth should come after fulfilling obligations to their ‘karma bhumi’ or place of work.
Bhagwat clarified, “Because Bharat is their janma bhumi, if they have an urge to do something and they can do that, after fulfilling their duties to their karma bhumi, it is not prohibited. But it is not obligatory.” He highlighted that the diaspora’s primary duty to India is to uphold the values of oneness and unity that they have inherited from their motherland.
“Your janma bhumi expects you to live the values it has imparted on you. And this is the value. This is the value, oneness. We are one with human beings. We are one with nature,” he added, reinforcing the importance of these principles in their lives abroad.
Bhagwat’s visit to the United States has sparked opposition from several people, including New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani and members of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom.
Addressing such concerns at Saturday’s event, Bhagwat said the RSS does not support leaving out any minority community.
