US Hindu group among 61 organizations protesting RSS chief's NYC event

An upcoming event in New York City featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has drawn significant opposition, with a coalition of 61 interfaith and secular organizations planning protests. Hindus for Human Rights, a US-based group, is spearheading the opposition, asserting that the RSS and its Hindutva ideology do not represent them.

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the RSS and their Hindutva ideology do not represent us

The event, titled "Universal Oneness Celebrations," is scheduled for August 29 at Madison Square Garden. Protesters argue that the RSS promotes an exclusionary vision, contrary to the pluralistic and secular ideals they associate with India. A press conference was held outside New York City Hall, where groups like the Indian American Muslim Council and the Interfaith Center of New York joined the call for the event's cancellation.

Adding to the controversy, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the city's first Indian American mayor, voiced his deep concern. He described the movement associated with the RSS as having an "exclusionary vision," which troubles him as it contrasts with the pluralistic and secular society he was taught to value. "It has been incredibly troubling to see the rise of a movement that is predicated on an exclusionary vision of any country, frankly," Mamdani stated.

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COMMUNITY ADVISORY ALERT! HAF is issuing this security alert in advance of the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Stay vigilant, remain situationally aware, and keep interactions civil. Ahead of the event, activists targeting Hindu Americans have attempted to disrupt and cancel the celebration. We urge @NYCMayor Zohran Mamdani to uphold his sworn duty to protect all New Yorkers, including event attendees, and guarantee everyone's safety and civil rights.

In response to the tensions, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) issued a "Community Advisory Alert," urging Mayor Mamdani to "uphold his sworn duty" to protect all New Yorkers, including event attendees. HAF advised attendees to "stay vigilant" and "remain situationally aware," noting that activists have attempted to disrupt and cancel the celebration. The foundation stressed the importance of ensuring safety and civil rights for everyone.

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It has been incredibly troubling to see the rise of a movement that is predicated on an exclusionary vision of any country, frankly. So it is one that I find myself in deep opposition.