T HE much-awaited address at Madison Square Garden by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat was a masterful articulation of the Indian civilisational perspective which thrives on unity in its great diversity. While Dr Bhagwat opened pathways into the United States think-tank with his pitch for universal brotherhood, he also delivered a solid rebuttal to those who had opposed his presence in America. In one stroke of effective oratory, Dr Bhagwat constructed a structural narrative around Indian philosophy and simultaneously demolished the jaundiced thinking of a section perennially trying to demean India by targeting its religious beliefs. For the likes of New York Council Member Mr. Zohran Mamdani, Dr Bhagwat’s speech at the iconic venue was an eye-opener as the RSS Sarsanghchalak explained the essence of Sanatan Dharma which is built on the principles of diversity, dialogue and mutual respect. For the hate-peddlers spreading fake news about Indian civilisation, Dr Bhagwat’s words on the happy coexistence of Hindus and Muslims in India came as a knock-out punch. “If you want to call yourself Hindu, you must believe that all paths are leading to the same (goal). And every human has dignity. There is no difference between human beings. If any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslim in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu.”

 

These words by Dr Bhagwat will keep resonating in the USA’s ‘private clubs’ always seeking to portray a Western caricature of Hinduism and Indian civilisation. In just a few words, Dr Bhagwat demolished a diabolical thinking as he told the US audience what Hinduism actually means. It accepts difference, it absorbs diversity and it believes in the ancient philosophy of unity in diversity. The message was clear to the world and all India-haters that there was no point in looking at the RSS with tinted glasses designed by people who refuse to see India’s resurgence as a cohesive democracy. The event has come with many such takeaways as Dr Bhagwat explained civilisational instincts that seek the same goal even if achieved through different paths. It was a reminder to the world that Hinduism is ever-accommodating for the larger good, notwithstanding faith or religion. That is why India has remained a throbbing hub of multiple faiths, languages, cultures and traditions for centuries.

 

Dr Bhagwat’s address for the ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’ and his New York visit also mark a significant shift in Indian diaspora politics. It was a sophisticated intellectual outreach by the RSS to build the right narrative within Western policy circles and professional networks. The RSS has already embarked upon international outreach for quite some time with its top leaders engaging with think-tanks and important institutions in different countries. Dr. Bhagwat’s visit to New York has come as a show-stopper with a lasting impact on the Hindu-hating elements within American society. The RSS chief took them by surprise with his philosophical outreach which has left the ilk of Mr. Mamdani ruing his pre-event statements about Dr Bhagwat’s visit.

 

The efforts by the RSS to cultivate the class of tech executives, academics, lawmakers and medical pioneers are set to bring a great change in people’s outlook towards India and Hinduism. By professing the core essence of Sanatan Dharma at an iconic venue, Dr Bhagwat has sent a warm message to the world that India is a land ready to welcome all philosophies while it adds its own bit of knowledge. The positive vibe is bound to create a ripple effect in the international community through the Indian diaspora. At a time when India is taking bigger steps in the changing global order, visits like that undertaken by Dr Bhagwat are necessary from leaders of other religious or ideological organisations to present the correct picture here. The country has already experienced pains of a religious wedge driven by foreigners. It is necessary for the top organisations to stand up for India by overcoming ideological divides.