Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of India's Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is scheduled to speak at the "Universal Oneness Celebration" at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday, August 28, 2026. The event is expected to attract over 5,000 attendees, including multifaith leaders. However, Bhagwat's visit has faced opposition from activists, politicians, and human rights groups in New York, who criticize the RSS for its alleged role in the persecution of religious minorities in India, particularly Muslims and Christians.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has publicly opposed the event, labeling the RSS's ideology as "exclusionary." Human rights groups, including Hindus for Human Rights, have stated that "Mohan Bhagwat does not represent Hindus."
The AHEAD Forum, a US-based non-profit group, is organizing the event and claims to promote intercultural understanding. However, investigations reveal connections between AHEAD and the RSS, which advocates for a Hindu-first vision for India. The RSS, founded in 1925, has been associated with various right-wing Hindu organizations and has faced bans in India due to its extremist activities.
Apoorvanand, a Hindi professor at the University of Delhi, criticized the event's promotion of "Hindu unity" as exclusionary towards other religious communities. The RSS has defended Bhagwat's participation, asserting that the event is an interfaith gathering.
The AHEAD Forum was registered as a nonprofit in May 2025 and has reported revenue generated from contributions. However, its leadership has been linked to the RSS, raising concerns about the group's intentions.
In recent years, there has been a rise in hate crimes against Muslims and Christians in India, with reports indicating a significant increase in hate speech incidents targeting these communities. Experts suggest that the RSS's outreach efforts in the US aim to improve its global image and build alliances with right-wing organizations.
Bhagwat's event is seen as part of a broader strategy by the RSS to establish connections with similar groups in the West, despite the organization's controversial history regarding minority rights in India.