Mohan Bhagwat’s ‘Big Unity Speech’ In New York Draws Protests And Backlash

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s ‘big unity speech’ at Madison Square Garden in New York stressed religious coexistence, Hindu Muslim unity and shared humanity, but the Universal Oneness Celebration also triggered protests, criticism and clashes outside the venue.

Addressing more than 6,000 Indian Americans and interfaith leaders, Bhagwat said “unity in diversity” is in Bharat’s DNA and must be “celebrated, respected and accepted”. Citing Swami Vivekananda, he said Bharat’s destiny is to help the world realise unity in diversity.

Bhagwat directly addressed Muslims and the RSS concept of Hindu Rashtra, saying, “If any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslim in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu.” Recalling his 2018 interaction with Muslim community members who asked whether Muslims would have to leave India, he said Muslims are integral to the Hindu Rashtra and described Hindutva as embracing universal brotherhood.

He said religions may differ in rituals and practices, but their paths ultimately lead towards divinity and truth. “Religions might be different, but humanity is one,” Bhagwat said, stressing that truth is one even though people understand and express it differently. He also called for society to remain educated and aware.

Bhagwat urged Indian Americans to honour their karmabhoomi, saying, “We are in America. We live in America. We earn in America. So we are America, and we should behave true to America.” He said contributing to Bharat after fulfilling US responsibilities is “not prohibited, but it is not obligatory”, while urging the diaspora to uphold the values of its janmabhoomi and give back to society.

The event drew participants from 39 states and 853 cities, including more than 250 students and representatives of 250 US organisations. Around 180 religious leaders from 30 countries announced a five point One World: One Humanity Call to Action focused on standing for one another, building relationships before crises, serving together and taking responsibility for the future.

Outside Madison Square Garden, protesters called the event a political stunt and questioned Bhagwat’s unity message. One protester said, “Let me be clear, Mohan Bhagwat is not bringing unity to New York.” Critics used phrases including “unity in USA, division in India” and accused Bhagwat and the RSS of hypocrisy and double standards.

Sikh organisations joined the protest, with demonstrators carrying Khalistan flags and raising pro Khalistan slogans. AP images showed a Sikh demonstrator tearing an Indian national flag during the protest, while other protesters were photographed stepping on an Indian flag and a cutout of Bhagwat.

The flag incident drew a strong reaction from sections of the Indian American community. Protesters and counter protesters exchanged slogans outside the venue, adding another layer to an already heated demonstration.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani had earlier opposed the event and criticised the RSS ideology as exclusionary. Bhagwat’s supporters, meanwhile, accused critics of selective opposition and double standards. The RSS defended the gathering as an inclusive interfaith programme.

The event featured cultural performances from India, Africa, Latin America, China, Europe and the Middle East, reinforcing “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, or the world is one family.

Bhagwat concluded that diversity is natural and unity is truth, leaving his message of coexistence at the centre of an event that simultaneously became a flashpoint for intense political and ideological opposition.