News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know T he American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD), an organization hosting the upcoming “Universal Oneness Celebra- tion” featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat in the United States, has appealed to X for the reinstate- ment of its suspended account. Operating as a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, AHEAD serves as one of approxi- mately 200-plus supporters backing the multi- cultural and interfaith celebration in NewYork’s Madison Square Garden, through its suspended handle, @Aheadforum1. AHEAD considers the X suspension may have occurred in error, maintaining that its commu- nications have consistently promoted universal peace, oneness, harmony, and constructive interfaith and intercultural dialogue in accordance with X’s policies. There is growing public friction surrounding the event as groups on both sides of the politi- cal divide in the Diaspora have articulated their positions ahead of the high-profile gathering at Madi- son Square Garden on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Those against Bhagwat’s visit have called on MSG to cancel the event; Those in support have argued it is an interfaith meeting. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has issued an official community advisory alert. Urging attendees to stay vigilant, remain situationally aware, and keep in- teractions civil, the advocacy organization also called on NewYork City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to uphold what it sees as his sworn duty to protect all NewYorkers and guarantee event safety amid attempts by other activists to disrupt the celebration. Adding to the controversy, the United States Com- mission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), released a statement alleging deteriorating religious freedom conditions in India and urging the US govern- ment to consider targeted sanctions against RSS members, including revoking Mohan Bhagwat’s visa. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed USCIRF as a body that is biased and lacking in credibility, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal advising that such institutions be ignored. Among supporters of the MSG event is singer and actress Mary Millben, who contended the opposition stems from animosity towards Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The controversy heightened following remarks by Mayor Mamdani, who, while answering a question, said municipal authorities lack the legal mandate to prohibit a private gathering. How- ever, he said, as an Indian-American with family’s ties to India, he opposed what he termed an exclusionary movement without naming the RSS. Addressing the nature of the Madison Square Garden program, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar emphasized that the gathering is an interfaith forum designed for open dia- logue and mutual respect, reflecting what he described as the inclusive Bharatiya ethos. The event forms part of Mohan Bhagwat’s three-nation global outreach tour to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, organized to celebrate RSS’ centenary year. - ANI Amid Heightening Controversy, Organizers Appeal For Reinstatement Of X Account On Eve Of Mohan Bhagwat’s US Event PHOTO:ANI Madison Square Garden, NYC. Oped: Why Mohan Bhagwat’s New York Visit Matters T he visit of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sar Sanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat to NewYork represents far more than another engagement by a prominent Indian leader abroad. It is a mo- ment of recognition for an increasingly confident Hindu American community and an opportunity to explain the RSS directly, without the distortions through which it is often portrayed. Bhagwat Ji will address the Universal Oneness Celebration in NewYork on August 29. The gathering coincides with Raksha Bandhan and is centered on the ancient Indian ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam— the world is one family. That message could hardly be more relevant today. Societies across the world are struggling with conflict, religious intolerance, political polarization and social fragmentation. The need of the hour is not another ideology of division. It is a civilizational vision that recognizes the dignity of every human being and the responsibilities binding communities together. That is why Bhagwat’s presence in NewYork is signifi- cant. For generations, the RSS has worked quietly at the grassroots. Its volunteers have served communi- ties during floods, earthquakes, pandemics and other emergencies. They have established schools, supported tribal and disadvantaged communities, promoted social harmony and encouraged citizens to place service before self. The organization does not seek applause for this work. Service is embedded in its character. Yet the global discussion about the RSS frequently ignores this record and instead relies on political labels supplied by its ideo- logical opponents. Bhagwat’s visit provides Americans with an opportu- nity to hear the RSS perspective without intermediaries. It allows dialogue to replace caricature and personal engagement to challenge preconceived conclusions. As a proud and unapologetic supporter of the RSS, I believe its central message is neither exclusion nor dom- ination. It is cultural confidence combined with social responsibility. Hindutva, as I understand and support it, is a civilizational outlook. It respects different paths of worship while affirming the cultural foundations that have sustained India for thousands of years. Critics have every right to question the RSS and protest peacefully. That freedom is fundamental to American democracy. But criticism should rest on facts, not fearmongering. Attempts to prevent Bhagwat Ji from speaking, or to stigmatize those attending the program, contradict the principles of openness and dialogue their proponents claim to defend. The NewYork gathering also reflects the remarkable progress of Hindu Americans. They are doctors, entre- preneurs, educators, attorneys, artists, public servants, veterans and community volunteers. They contribute to America while remaining connected to their spiri- tual and cultural inheritance. There is no contradiction between these identities. Indeed, the Hindu American experience demon- strates that cultural rootedness can strengthen respon- sible citizenship. A person secure in his or her heritage is better equipped to engage with other traditions respectfully and confidently. For younger Hindu Americans, Bhagwat’s visit car- ries special meaning. Many are searching for ways to understand their identity amid competing narratives about India and Hinduism. They deserve access to their own traditions and institutions without being made to feel defensive or apologetic. The program’s emphasis on pluralism, civic partici- pation, interfaith understanding and service should therefore be welcomed. These are not merely Hindu concerns. They are American concerns and universal concerns. NewYork is an appropriate setting for this message. Few cities embody diversity as visibly. People of different religions, languages and national origins live and work alongside one another. Bringing the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam to this global city underlines its universal character. Bhagwat Ji’s visit is ultimately about confidence, conversation and connection. It connects India’s ancient civilizational wisdom with the challenges of the modern world. It gives Hindu Americans a platform to celebrate their heritage while reaffirming their commitment to the United States. Those willing to listen may discover that the RSS is not the organization its oppo- nents describe. They may instead encounter a move- ment grounded in discipline, service, cultural pride and the conviction that humanity is one family. President, The American India Public Affairs Committee By a StaffWriter PHOTO:Provided News India Times (August 29, 2026 - September 4, 2026) September 4, 2026 18 Community