‘If Any Hindu Doesn’t Want Muslims In India…’: Mohan Bhagwat Issues Strong Call for Religious Harmony in New York

NEW YORK — Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has issued a firm appeal for religious harmony and inclusivity, asserting that the exclusion of any community contradicts the foundational tenets of Hinduism. Speaking at the ‘One World: One Humanity’ faith leaders’ conference in New York, Bhagwat emphasized that the path to truth and divinity is universal and must transcend religious labels.

Addressing an international audience, the RSS chief tackled the complexities of contemporary religious perceptions. While acknowledging that rituals often define modern religious practice, he reminded attendees that the ultimate purpose of faith is the pursuit of truth.

Defending the Essence of Hinduism

During his address, Bhagwat recalled a dialogue from 2018, where he was questioned by members of the Muslim community regarding the RSS’s vision for a “Hindu Rashtra.” In response, he offered a definitive stance: “If any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslims in Bharat, he is not being true to the essence of Hinduism.”

He further elaborated that while there are myriad ways to practice the Hindu faith, they all converge toward a singular, ultimate truth. Highlighting the innate dignity of every human being, Bhagwat noted that there are no fundamental differences that should prevent unity among people of different faiths.

Commitment to Dialogue and Service

The RSS chief underscored that his organization has been actively engaged in fostering dialogue with both Muslim and Christian communities across India. He stressed that this is not merely a social exercise but an integral part of their service model.

“Dialogue is the first step. Service is another, but they have to happen simultaneously. When we serve, we do not discriminate,” Bhagwat stated. He also addressed the challenges of public perception, noting that negative narratives often obscure the ground-level reality of the organization’s work. He expressed confidence that once individuals observe the efforts of the RSS firsthand, preconceived notions often dissipate.

Politics and the Future of Society

Reflecting on the state of modern politics, Bhagwat expressed concern over the trend of self-interest dominating governance. He argued that in a democracy, where public opinion dictates the actions of leaders, a shift in mindset is required to curb divisiveness and prevent conflicts.

“Politics has now become a game of self-interest,” Bhagwat observed. “Where there is ‘me and mine,’ there is no solution. ‘We and ours’ is the solution.” He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to influencing political and social discourse toward a more unified vision, emphasizing that society must take the lead in driving positive change.

As the international community grapples with growing polarization, the faith leaders’ conference in New York served as a platform for Bhagwat to reiterate that India’s historical traditions—which have weathered centuries of external pressures—remain rooted in the philosophy of “one world, one humanity.”