‘India’s Responsibility Is to Show the World We Are One’: Mohan Bhagwat at Madison Square Garden

New York: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed the ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’ at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden, stressing that India has a unique responsibility to convey the message of unity in diversity to the world.

Addressing a gathering late at night, Bhagwat said that unity and diversity are deeply embedded in India’s DNA. He emphasized that diversity does not weaken unity but instead makes it richer and more meaningful.

“We are all one, and our diversity further enriches that unity,” Bhagwat said, underlining the need to celebrate, respect and accept differences while keeping the spirit of unity at the core of human society.

‘The Direction of Thought Defines a Human Being’

Speaking about human nature, Bhagwat said the ability to think is one of humanity’s defining characteristics, but the direction of that thinking is equally important.

He said righteous thinking and actions can take a person closer to the Divine, while wrong thinking can push an individual towards an animalistic existence. According to Bhagwat, a human being has the potential to transform into Narayana—the Divine—through righteous conduct.

He also contrasted two approaches to society: “live and let live” and a mindset that permits others to exist only if they submit to one’s own will. Bhagwat described the latter tendency as Rakshasic or demonic.

Empathy Makes People Responsible Citizens

Bhagwat highlighted empathy as an essential human quality and explained how it can shape responsible citizens.

Giving an example, he said it would be difficult for a person to continue eating comfortably if someone who was hungry were standing nearby and looking at the food. The natural urge to share, he said, reflects the human capacity to understand and respond to another person’s suffering.

According to Bhagwat, this innate empathy is what encourages individuals to care for others and contributes to the creation of a responsible society.

‘The Soul Connects Us All’

Bhagwat described the Atma or soul as the fundamental truth that connects all human beings.

He noted that people may differ in their physical appearance, clothing, languages, beliefs and traditions, but the soul within them provides a common connection. He compared this inner unity to the thread running through the beads of a rosary—different beads, yet held together by the same thread.

He said this underlying unity is what binds human society together despite its immense diversity.

‘The Body Is Mortal, But Something Within Is Eternal’

Reflecting on life, death and spirituality, Bhagwat said the human body is mortal, but there is an eternal element within every person.

He noted that different religions and traditions interpret this eternal existence differently. While some traditions believe the soul continues until the Day of Judgment, others believe it passes through repeated cycles of birth and death.

Bhagwat said that although the physical body eventually perishes, something within a person remains beyond the limitations of time. What may appear to be separate individuals and objects, he added, are ultimately interconnected.

Over 5,000 Indian-Americans Attend Event

The ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’ was organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) and was held to mark Rakhi.

More than 5,000 Indian-Americans attended the event, which also saw the participation of India’s Ambassador and the Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

The programme began with performances showcasing traditional Indian folk art, setting the stage for an evening centered on Indian cultural traditions, spirituality and the message of universal unity.