‘Unity in diversity inherent to India’s core identity’: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at New York event
New York: Speaking at the Universal Oneness Celebration hosted at Madison Square Garden, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat asserted that "unity in diversity" is fundamentally woven into the "DNA" of India. He underscored that India's overarching purpose is to showcase to the international community how differences can harmoniously exist alongside a shared sense of oneness.
Contrasting societal framework concepts, Bhagwat observed that while the United States is frequently characterised by “pluralism”, India's primary defining ethos remains its foundational harmony amidst diverse traditions.
“I have come here from Nagpur in Bharat to share with you today's joy and today's spirit. When we say United States of America, one word is often discussed frequently. That is pluralism. And when we say Bharat, another phrase is discussed: unity in diversity. For Bharat, this unity and this diversity, both are in their DNA,” Bhagwat remarked.
Expanding on the concept of statehood, he stated that sovereign territories represent more than simple landmasses and are charged with specific global responsibilities.
“Nations are not merely geographical entities. In the design of this universe, nations have to carry out a duty. Swami Vivekananda said, ‘every nation has a message to deliver. Every nation has a mission to accomplish. Every nation has a destiny to fulfil’,” the RSS leader stated.
Addressing India’s global mission, Bhagwat noted that the country's purpose is to continually remind the world of this harmonious balance.
“What is the destiny given to Bharat? Bharat is there to realise and from time to time make the world realise this unity in diversity. We are one, and due to diversity, that oneness is decorated,” he explained.
Calling for the active embracing of cultural variations, he emphasised, “Diversity has to be celebrated, has to be respected, has to be accepted. And at the same time, we must keep in mind this feeling of oneness. It is a very real feeling,” he noted.
Bhagwat also invoked historic traditions, stating that ancient Indian spiritual guides established these principles through self-sacrifice aimed at broader global well-being.
“Our ancient rishis had foreseen that and created a whole nation for that. The well-meaning rishis, with a feeling of welfare of the world, undertook the difficult penance. Through that, our nation was created,” he added.
Reiterating that countryhood extends beyond mere physical borders, he framed fulfilling this national purpose as a collective duty for all Indians.
“No nation is a geographical piece of land. All nations have a destiny to fulfil. This is the Bharat destiny,” Bhagwat said.
Urging the Indian diaspora to step up to these responsibilities, Bhagwat suggested that fulfilling commitments in both native and adopted lands could aid a world facing complex challenges.
“Let us awaken as Bharatiyas to that destiny and fulfil our duties in our karma bhumi as well as our janma bhumi. If we do that, that will be a boon for the world struggling with all these problems and stumbling at every step. We have to give sustenance; we have to give some sort of support to this world,” he remarked.
The gathering at Madison Square Garden formed a prominent leg of Bhagwat's global tour, bringing together diaspora groups to foster dialogue around universal human values. Bhagwat reached New York earlier this week as part of an international outreach campaign spanning the US, Canada, and the UK, timed to coincide with the centenary year celebrations of the organisation.
ANI