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RSS doesn’t symbolize us
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s event in New York on August 29 has run into controversies after New York mayor Zohran Mamdani’s remarks towards the outfit.
A number of Hindu groups in the US have come out against the Common Oneness Celebration, which is happening at Madison Square Garden. The event’s organized by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) forum.
Hindus for Human Rights, one of the organizations leading the protest, made their stance clear.
Their executive director, Sunita Viswanath, said 61 interfaith and secular organizations have backed an open letter protesting the celebration. She mentioned that many of their supporters plan to show up in person with a simple message:
“The RSS and their Hindutva ideology don’t represent us,” as reported by PTI.
Earlier this week, groups like Hindus for Human Rights, the Indian American Muslim Council, and the Interfaith Center of New York held a press conference outside New York City Hall. They called for the event to be canceled.
In response, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) put out a security advisory on Thursday ahead of Bhagwat’s visit, urging Mayor Zohran Mamdani to take action and protect all New Yorkers—including those attending the event.
On social media, HAF warned community members to stay alert, be aware of their surroundings, and keep interactions civil. They also pointed out that activists are trying to disrupt or shut down the celebration.
HAF’s message to Mayor Mamdani was clear: Make sure everyone’s safe and that civil rights are respected during the event.
Meanwhile, Mayor Mamdani called the rise of an “exclusionary vision” in India “deeply troubling.” Speaking at a press conference, he made it clear he opposes the rally, but also acknowledged that the city doesn’t really have the authority to cancel a private event.
“As the first Indian American mayor in our city, this hits close to home for me.
My mother’s family still lives in India,” he said. “The India I was taught about was pluralistic and secular—where everyone belongs, no matter who they are.
Watching a movement grow that’s based on shutting people out really worries me. It’s something I just can’t support.”
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