RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s New York event faces opposition from US-based groups, while the Hindu American Foundation issues a security advisory
The planned August 29 appearance of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at Madison Square Garden in New York has drawn opposition from several US-based organisations, while New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has also voiced his disagreement with the event.
The programme, titled Universal Oneness Celebrations, is being organised by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) forum.
Hindus for Human Rights executive director Sunita Viswanath said 61 interfaith and secular organisations had signed an open letter opposing the event. Several groups, including the Indian American Muslim Council and Interfaith Center of New York, also held a news conference outside City Hall calling for its cancellation.
Meanwhile, the Hindu American Foundation issued a security advisory, urging attendees to remain vigilant, stay aware of their surroundings and keep interactions peaceful. It also called on Mamdani to ensure the safety and civil rights of all attendees.
Mamdani said he was “incredibly troubling” by what he described as the rise of an “exclusionary” movement in India. However, he acknowledged that the city likely lacked the authority to cancel a private event.
The event has consequently become a point of contention among Hindu, interfaith and civil rights groups in New York.
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