Hindu nationalist leader spurs protests and calls for sanctions ahead of New York City speech
Summary
Mohan Bhagwat, leader of the Hindu nationalist group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is scheduled to speak at a large event in New York City. The event has sparked protests and criticism from New York's mayor and a U.S. religious freedom panel because of RSS’s controversial views and actions.Key Facts
- Mohan Bhagwat is the chief of the RSS, linked to India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- The RSS is a Hindu nationalist group founded about 100 years ago.
- The group promotes the idea of Hindutva, defining Indian culture mainly by Hindu values.
- Critics accuse RSS of encouraging intolerance and human rights abuses against minorities, including mob violence and destruction of Muslim properties.
- The event in New York, called the "Universal Oneness Celebration," is organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue.
- About 5,000 Indian Americans are expected to attend the event at Madison Square Garden.
- New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani opposes the event due to the RSS ideology conflicting with the city's diverse values.
- The event brings together over 200 Hindu American groups and uses the phrase “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning “the world is one family.”
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