RSS Chief Bhagwat Stresses Unity in Diversity at New York Event

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed a large gathering at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday, August 29, 2026, emphasizing that "unity in diversity" is fundamental to India's identity and that the nation's destiny is to demonstrate this principle to the world. Speaking at the Universal Oneness Celebration, Bhagwat contrasted the concept of pluralism often associated with the United States with India's intrinsic ethos. "I have come here from Nagpur in Bharat to share with you today's joy and today's spirit. When we say United States of America, one word is often discussed frequently. That is pluralism. And when we say Bharat, another phrase is discussed unity in diversity. For Bharat, this unity and this diversity, both are in their DNA," Bhagwat stated. He argued that nations are more than geographical entities and have specific duties to fulfill, citing the Hindu spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda. "Every nation has a message to deliver. Every nation has a mission to accomplish. Every nation has a destiny to fulfil," Bhagwat said, asserting that India's role is to continually remind the world of harmonious balance.