“True Hinduism Embraces Humanity”: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Addresses Global Forum in New York
NEW YORK: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat issued a strong call for religious inclusivity and universal harmony on Saturday, asserting that the exclusion of Muslims is fundamentally incompatible with the tenets of Hinduism.
Addressing a distinguished audience at the ‘One World One Humanity’ conference in New York, Bhagwat emphasized that the core of the Hindu faith lies in the recognition of a singular, underlying truth that binds all of humanity, regardless of religious labels.
Redefining Hindutva on the Global Stage
During his address, the RSS chief addressed long-standing concerns regarding his organization’s advocacy for a ‘Hindu Rashtra.’ He recalled a 2018 lecture series in New Delhi where he was questioned by members of the Muslim community regarding their status and security in India.
“Several Muslim brothers asked me, ‘you are a Hindu organization. You speak of Hindu Rashtra. What about us Muslims? Will you drive us out?’” Bhagwat recounted. “I told them, ‘no, that is not Hindutva. If any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslim in Bharat, he ceases to be a Hindu.’”
Bhagwat argued that the essence of being a Hindu is the belief that all paths lead to the same divine destination. “If you call yourself a Hindu, you must believe that all paths lead to the same destination. Every human being has inherent dignity; there is no fundamental difference between us,” he declared.
The Illusion of Division
Drawing on philosophical traditions, the RSS chief noted that while external differences in rituals and customs are part of the human experience, they do not negate the fundamental oneness of mankind.
“Those who truly know view everyone equally… These external differences merely decorate nature. While we must navigate through them in daily life, the underlying reality remains: we are one,” Bhagwat stated. He suggested that human biases are often the result of the “software created in our heads,” which blinds people to the inherent equality of their neighbors.
Bhagwat’s visit to the United States and his scheduled appearance at the iconic Madison Square Garden have generated significant international attention. The event has become a focal point for debate, drawing both praise from supporters and criticism from various civil rights organizations.
A Tense Backdrop
The backdrop of the conference has been marked by political friction. New York City official Zohran Mamdani recently voiced his opposition to the event, sparking a wider conversation about the limits of public discourse and the jurisdiction of local governments over private gatherings. In response, various Hindu advocacy groups have urged officials to remain objective, reminding them of their sworn duties to uphold constitutional principles regarding assembly and speech.
As the ‘One World One Humanity’ event continues, Bhagwat’s remarks serve as a definitive articulation of his vision for a pluralistic society—one that seeks to reconcile the traditional values of the RSS with the complexities of a modern, interconnected world. While the controversy surrounding his visit persists, the RSS chief’s message remains clear: for him, the survival of the Hindu identity is intrinsically linked to the acceptance of human diversity.
