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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline SEPTEMBER 04, 2026 | The Indian Eye 16

POINT OF VIEW

Why RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s

New York visit Matters

For generations, the RSS has worked quietly at the grassroots. Its volunteers have

served communities during floods, earthquakes, pandemics and other emergencies

Indeed, the Hindu American ex-
perience demonstrates that cultural
rootedness can strengthen responsible
citizenship. A person secure in his or
her heritage is better equipped to en-
gage with other traditions respectfully
and confidently.
For younger Hindu Americans,
Bhagwat’s visit carries special mean-
ing. Many are searching for ways to
JAGDISH SEWHANI understand their identity amid com-
peting narratives about India and
he visit of Rashtriya Swayam- Hinduism. They deserve access to
sevak Sangh (RSS) Sar Sang- their own traditions and institutions
Thachalak Mohan Bhagwat to without being made to feel defensive
New York represents far more than or apologetic.
another engagement by a prominent The programme’s emphasis on
Indian leader abroad. It is a moment pluralism, civic participation, interfaith
of recognition for an increasingly understanding and service should there-
confident Hindu American commu- fore be welcomed. These are not mere-
nity and an opportunity to explain the ly Hindu concerns. They are Ameri-
RSS directly, without the distortions can concerns and universal concerns.
through which it is often portrayed. New York is an appropriate set-
Bhagwat Ji will address the Uni- ting for this message. Few cities em-
versal Oneness Celebration in New Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat delivers a speech body diversity as visibly. People of
York on August 29. The gathering during the flag-hoisting ceremony on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day at the RSS different religions, languages and na-
coincides with Raksha Bandhan and headquarters in Nagpur (ANI Photo) tional origins live and work alongside
is centred on the ancient Indian ide- one another. Bringing the idea of Va-
al of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the citizens to place service before self. ing the cultural foundations that have sudhaiva Kutumbakam to this global
world is one family. The organisation does not seek sustained India for thousands of years. city underlines its universal character.
That message could hardly be applause for this work. Service is em- Critics have every right to question Bhagwat Ji’s visit is ultimately
more relevant today. Societies across bedded in its character. Yet the global the RSS and protest peacefully. That about confidence, conversation and
the world are struggling with conflict, discussion about the RSS frequently freedom is fundamental to American connection. It connects India’s ancient
religious intolerance, political polari- ignores this record and instead relies democracy. But criticism should rest civilisational wisdom with the challeng-
sation and social fragmentation. The on political labels supplied by its ideo- on facts, not fearmongering. Attempts es of the modern world. It gives Hin-
need of the hour is not another ide- logical opponents. to prevent Bhagwat Ji from speaking, du Americans a platform to celebrate
ology of division. It is a civilisational Bhagwat’s visit provides Ameri- or to stigmatise those attending the their heritage while reaffirming their
vision that recognises the dignity of cans with an opportunity to hear the programme, contradict the principles commitment to the United States.
every human being and the responsi- RSS perspective without intermediar- of openness and dialogue their propo- Those willing to listen may discov-
bilities binding communities together. ies. It allows dialogue to replace car- nents claim to defend. er that the RSS is not the organisation
That is why Bhagwat’s presence icature and personal engagement to The New York gathering also its opponents describe. They may in-
in New York is significant. challenge preconceived conclusions. reflects the remarkable progress of stead encounter a movement ground-
For generations, the RSS has As a proud and unapologetic sup- Hindu Americans. They are doctors, ed in discipline, service, cultural pride
worked quietly at the grassroots. Its porter of the RSS, I believe its central entrepreneurs, educators, attorneys, and the conviction that humanity is
volunteers have served communities message is neither exclusion nor dom- artists, public servants, veterans and one family.
during floods, earthquakes, pandem- ination. It is cultural confidence com- community volunteers. They contrib- Jagdish Sewhani is President of the Ameri-
ics and other emergencies. They have bined with social responsibility. Hin- ute to America while remaining con- can India Public Affairs Committee.
established schools, supported tribal dutva, as I understand and support it, is nected to their spiritual and cultural Views expressed are personal and do not
and disadvantaged communities, pro- a civilisational outlook. It respects dif- inheritance. There is no contradiction reflect the editorial opinion of
moted social harmony and encouraged ferent paths of worship while affirm- between these identities. The Indian Eye publication

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