New York. Controversy has arisen over a program to be organized during the visit of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat to New York. To be held at Madison Square Garden on August 29 ‘Celebration of Universal Unity’ New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has publicly objected. He said that he does not support this event. However, he did not clarify his position regarding the right to cancel it since it was a private event.
Controversy over Bhagwat’s program in New York, Mayor expressed objection
Mohan Bhagwat reached America on 25th August. His visit is part of the global contact campaign being run as part of the centenary year of RSS. After the US tour, he is also scheduled to visit Canada and Britain. Bhagwat will address the Indian-American community on August 29 in New York. The event is to be held at Madison Square Garden.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said- I do not support the program
Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his disagreement with the program during the press conference. When he was asked about the possibility of canceling the event, he said that he does not support this rally. Mamdani said that growing up among the Indian-American community, his imagination of India was of a country where different communities live together. He talked about seeing India as a secular republic, where every person associated with India gets equal status.
Mayor expressed concern about the ideology of the Sangh
Mamdani said that it is worrying to see the influence of a movement that he believes is based on the idea of isolating or excluding certain communities. He said that he opposes this idea and this opposition is not only as an Indian-American, but also as the mayor of New York. According to him, the city accepts every person, irrespective of their colour, religion, belief or country of origin.
The message of the program has been kept as ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’
Organization of ‘universal unity festival’ American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue Is being done by. According to the organizers, the objective of this event to be held on the occasion of Rakshabandhan is to promote unity, social responsibility, dialogue and global harmony. The central theme of the event is ‘Vasudevam Kutumbkam’ (Vashudhaiv Family), i.e. ‘The world is one family’, is said. Participation of the Indian-American community is expected in the program.
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Mohan Bhagwat’s visit to America is taking place as part of the ongoing global outreach campaign during the centenary year of RSS. During this visit he will interact with people of the Indian community and various organizations. This event has come into discussion after the Mayor’s objection regarding the New York program. However, no decision regarding canceling the program has come from the city administration.