Bhagwat said India must demonstrate to the world that unity and diversity can coexist, while urging people to celebrate, respect and accept differences
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, addressing a gathering in New York, said unity and diversity are both embedded in Bharat’s DNA, stressing that India has a larger responsibility to demonstrate the coexistence of the two values to the world.
Bhagwat was speaking at the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden, an event organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD). The gathering brought together members of the Indian-American community, interfaith leaders and participants from across the United States.
‘Diversity has to be celebrated and respected’
Drawing a comparison between India and the United States, Bhagwat said the word “pluralism” is often associated with America, while the phrase “unity in diversity” is associated with Bharat.
“For Bharat, this unity and diversity, both are in the DNA,” he said.
Referring to Swami Vivekananda’s idea that every nation has a destiny to fulfil, Bhagwat said India’s responsibility was to realise and periodically remind the world of the principle of unity in diversity.
He said people may appear different because of their languages, religions, lifestyles and other characteristics, but there is an underlying sense of oneness that connects them.
Bhagwat stressed that diversity should not merely be tolerated but celebrated, respected and accepted, while maintaining a sense of common belonging.
Bhagwat stresses idea of universal oneness
During his nearly hour-long address, the RSS chief elaborated on the idea that differences in people’s material lives do not negate their fundamental connection with one another.
He used everyday examples to explain how people may have different needs and circumstances while still sharing a common human experience.
The larger message, he said, was one of social harmony and recognition of an innate oneness among people.
The event itself featured participants from across the United States, with more than 6,000 members of the Indian-American community and interfaith leaders attending, according to PTI. It brought together people from 39 states and 853 cities, along with students and organisations.
‘We owe everything to someone else’
Bhagwat also spoke about the responsibility individuals have towards society and the wider world.
“We owe everything to someone else. We take from the world, and so we have to give back,” he said, arguing that the measure of success should not simply be how much a person earns but how much they contribute or distribute.
He further called on the Indian diaspora in the United States to remain committed to their karmabhoomi, or land of action.
Bhagwat said Indians living in America should fulfil their responsibilities towards the country where they live and work. At the same time, he said their janmabhoomi, or motherland, expects them to uphold the values with which they identify.
‘Nations have a destiny to fulfil’
Bhagwat also said nations should not be viewed merely as geographical entities, arguing that every nation has a particular role or destiny.
He linked this idea to Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and said Bharat’s role was to help the world understand the possibility of unity amid diversity.
“Let us awake as Bharatiyas to that destiny and fulfil our duties in our karmabhoomi as well as our janmabhoomi,” Bhagwat said, adding that such an approach could offer support to a world facing multiple challenges.
The New York address came during Bhagwat’s ongoing global outreach in the RSS’s centenary year. His US visit also included interactions with interfaith leaders and members of the Indian diaspora.
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