WASHINGTON — Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat will address a prominent gathering of the Indian-American community in New York on August 29, as part of the organization’s ongoing global outreach effort during its centenary year.
Bhagwat is set to speak at the 'Universal Oneness Celebrations' organized by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) Forum at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City. More than 5,000 attendees from across the United States are expected to gather for the event, which will feature faith leaders, cultural programs, and artistic performances.
According to Aditi Banerjee of The AHEAD Forum, the convention aligns with the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan while delivering a message centered on social unity, civic duty, and global harmony.
"By bringing together participants from diverse linguistic, regional, cultural, and organizational backgrounds, the celebrations demonstrate how a pluralistic community can unite around common values while preserving its diversity," Banerjee said in a statement.
The organizers are coordinating transportation networks across the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states to facilitate travel for attendees. Expected participants include community organization representatives, corporate leaders, young professionals, public officials, volunteers, and delegates from local temples, educational bodies, yoga centers, and interfaith groups.
Prior to his departure for Canada, Bhagwat is also slated to interact with local leaders during two private engagements in New York.
This visit marks Bhagwat's first public appearance in the United States since 2018, when he attended the World Hindu Congress in Chicago. His upcoming address comes shortly after RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale toured the US, the UK, and Germany in April to engage with academics, policymakers, and civic leaders as part of the RSS centenary outreach activities.
