Mohan Bhagwat billboard appears in Times Square ahead of RSS chief’s New York event

A billboard showcasing the image of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emerged in New York's Times Square on Friday, just hours prior to his scheduled appearance at the 'Universal Oneness Celebrations' at Madison Square Garden. This billboard display unfolded as the RSS chief's visit to the United States commenced, marking a three-nation outreach tour including the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom during the RSS centenary year.

Bhagwat's arrival in New York marked his first step in this journey. His visit encompasses a range of activities, such as a visit to the ISKCON temple in New York, where he offered a garland to Srila Prabhupada and took part in a food distribution program for homeless individuals. Despite the event's organizers garnering support from over 200 Hindu American organizations, a significant portion of 200 Hindu American organizations has opposed the event.

In response, Hindus for Human Rights and allied groups have announced a protest outside Madison Square Garden on Saturday. The opposition is fueled by concerns about an alleged "exclusionary vision" propagated by the RSS, as stated by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The event, organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD), aims to foster unity across communities, nations, and humanity, based on the Sanskrit concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning the world is one family.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has entered the debate, urging Washington to consider targeted sanctions against RSS members and revoke Bhagwat's visa, though he is open to a meeting to discuss. The Ministry of External Affairs has labeled the commission as "biased" and accused it of making "incorrect and provocative statements" about India.