RSS chief’s New York event is expected to draw more than 5,000 Indian-Americans during the organisation’s centenary year
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to address the Indian-American community in New York on August 29 during his upcoming visit to the United States.
Bhagwat will speak at an event titled ‘Universal Oneness Celebrations’ at Madison Square Garden. Organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD), the programme is expected to attract more than 5,000 Indian-Americans.
The event will include cultural programmes and performances and is being held in connection with the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan. Organisers have said the programme will focus on themes including unity, civic responsibility and global harmony. Participants are expected from a range of linguistic, regional, cultural and community organisations.
The gathering is also expected to bring together community leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, elected representatives, youth, faith leaders and volunteers. Delegations are likely to attend from temples, educational institutions, yoga groups, service organisations and interfaith communities.
AHEAD is arranging transport for participants travelling from parts of the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the US.
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Bhagwat’s US visit forms part of the RSS’s wider overseas outreach during its centenary year
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He is expected to hold at least two private engagements in New York before travelling to Canada
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His wider international itinerary also includes visits to Canada and the UK, according to recent reports
The RSS has stepped up overseas engagements during its centenary celebrations. In April, its general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale visited the US, UK and Germany, where he met academics, intellectuals and policymakers.
Bhagwat last visited the US in 2018, when he attended the World Hindu Congress in Chicago. His upcoming New York address is likely to attract attention among Indian-American community organisations as the RSS expands its international outreach.
