Hundreds protest Hindu nationalist paramilitary leader Mohan Bhagwat's visit to New York

Hundreds of protesters rallied outside Madison Square Garden in New York City against an event featuring Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist paramilitary organization. The event, titled “Universal Oneness,” was organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue and attracted approximately 5,000 attendees from over 200 Hindu and Indian partner organizations across the country. Critics of the RSS describe it as the "world's largest fascist organization," and the protests were organized by various local and national groups, including South Asian Left, who expressed concerns about the implications of promoting Hindu nationalism in a multicultural environment. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly opposed the event, labeling the RSS ideology as "exclusionary." He emphasized that the vision of India he learned from his family is one of a "pluralistic society" and a "secular republic" that embraces the belonging of every individual from India. Despite his opposition, Mamdani acknowledged that the city does not have the authority to block a private event, highlighting the limitations of governmental power in regulating such gatherings. His remarks reflect broader concerns regarding the influence of Hindu nationalism and its potential impact on community cohesion. The protests against Bhagwat's visit underscore ongoing debates surrounding nationalism, identity, and inclusivity, particularly in relation to events that may promote divisive ideologies. The tensions surrounding Bhagwat's visit and the protests it incited resonate with advocates for a more inclusive understanding of national identity that respects diversity and pluralism. The event and the protests highlight the complexities of cultural and political dynamics in a multicultural urban environment.