RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a message of religious coexistence and shared humanity during an event in New York, asserting that those who believe Muslims should be expelled from India do not understand the core principles of Hindutva.
Speaking at an event titled “One World, One Humanity” at Madison Square, Bhagwat said Hindu philosophy recognises that different religious traditions may follow different forms of worship, but ultimately point towards the same truth. Around 5,000 people reportedly attended the programme.
“If you consider yourself a Hindu, you have to believe that there is no discrimination among human beings,” Bhagwat said. He argued that people who want Muslims removed from India are not connected with the fundamental idea of Hindutva.
Bhagwat also described the RSS as an organisation committed to service and said its volunteers do not differentiate between Hindus and Muslims while helping people. He cited relief and rescue efforts by RSS workers involving Muslims following an aircraft accident in Haryana’s Dadri as an example.
His remarks came amid criticism of the RSS and concerns over religious freedom in India. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani had reportedly called for the event to be cancelled, while US Commission on International Religious Freedom commissioner Dr Asif Mahmood had accused organisations such as the RSS of promoting hatred and violating religious freedom and human rights.
Bhagwat’s remarks in New York therefore carried significance, presenting Hindutva as a philosophy centred on human dignity, religious diversity and social harmony rather than exclusion.
