Kathmandu— Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of India’s Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is scheduled to speak Saturday at a “Universal Oneness Celebration” event at Madison Square Garden in New York City, an event drawing opposition from activists, politicians, and human rights groups who accuse the RSS – a Hindu majoritarian organization linked to India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party – of contributing to persecution of religious minorities within India. The event, organized by the US-based American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) Forum, is expected to attract over 5,000 attendees, including leaders from multiple faiths, but critics argue it serves as a platform to promote a Hindu-first vision that has historically marginalized Muslims and Christians. Concerns center on the RSS’s long history of advocating for Hindutva, an ideology aiming to transform India into a Hindu state.

Event Organizers and Their Connections

The “Universal Oneness Celebration” is being hosted by AHEAD Forum, a US-based non-profit group that claims to promote intercultural understanding. However, scrutiny of the organization’s founding documents reveals deep ties to the RSS. Initial filings with the IRS listed Harish Kandpal as its bookkeeper; however, records show that Khanderao Kand, a long-time leader of the RSS and its overseas wing, the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), was previously listed in the same role and registered at the organization’s original address. Other AHEAD Forum leaders also have affiliations with the HSS or organizations linked to the Indian government.

RSS Ideology and History

Founded in 1925, the RSS is a right-wing Hindu volunteer organization that advocates for Hindutva – a Hindu supremacist ideology aiming to establish India as a Hindu nation. The group operates schools, hospitals, magazines, and publishing houses to promote its vision and has been described as the ideological parent of India’s governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While presenting itself as a “Hindu-centric civilisational, cultural movement,” the RSS was banned in India several times, including after a former member assassinated Mahatma Gandhi. It currently leads a network of over 2,500 right-wing Hindu organizations.

Concerns Over Rising Religious Intolerance

Critics point to a recent surge in hate crimes against Muslims and Christians in India, often involving leaders associated with the BJP or RSS ecosystem. Reports indicate that hate speech events targeting Christians rose by 41 percent between 2024 and 2025. Activists fear the New York event is part of an effort by the RSS to improve its global image and downplay accusations of involvement in violence against religious minorities. Apoorvanand, a Hindi professor at the University of Delhi, stated that the advertised “unity” refers specifically to “Hindu unity,” and serves as a means to unite Hindus against Muslims and Christians.

Opposition from US Leaders and Groups

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly expressed his disapproval of the event, describing the RSS’s ideology as “exclusionary.” He acknowledged the troubling rise of the movement while growing up in a pluralistic India. Hindus for Human Rights also released a statement asserting that Mohan Bhagwat does not represent all Hindus, but rather a fringe extremist movement with a century-long history of hate and violence against religious minorities. The group drew parallels to a 1939 Nazi rally held at Madison Square Garden, urging the venue not to repeat what they consider a historical mistake.

The RSS maintains that Bhagwat’s visit aims to foster interfaith dialogue and communicate with a diverse audience. Experts suggest this event is part of a broader strategy by the RSS to expand its influence internationally and build alliances with right-wing organizations in Western countries.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.