Mohan Bhagwat Draws India-US Parallel, Says Unity And Diversity Are In Their DNA
Mohan Bhagwat Highlights India's Unity And Diversity
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed a gathering at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday, where he spoke about the shared values of unity and diversity in India and the United States. Bhagwat said both countries have plurality and diversity deeply embedded in their national character, drawing a comparison between the two societies during his address at an event titled the 'Universal Oneness Celebration'.
Speaking to the gathering, Bhagwat said, “Unity and diversity are in the DNA of both Bharat (India) and the United States of America.” He noted that the idea of “plurality” is frequently associated with the United States, while India is often described through the phrase “unity in diversity”. According to Bhagwat, despite the different expressions used to describe the two countries, both concepts point to a common foundation of diversity existing alongside a sense of unity.
Bhagwat made the remarks while addressing the audience at Madison Square Garden, one of New York City's prominent venues. The gathering included leaders from different religions among those seated in the first row, reflecting the event's emphasis on dialogue and religious diversity. The programme was organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue, or AHEAD, a group that brought together participants for the celebration centred on the theme of universal oneness.
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The RSS chief's speech also moved beyond the comparison between India and the United States to discuss his broader understanding of nations and their role in the world. Bhagwat argued that nations should not be viewed simply as geographical territories. Instead, he said, nations have a responsibility or duty within what he described as the larger design of the universe. His comments took a philosophical approach as he discussed the idea that countries have a broader purpose beyond their territorial boundaries.
Bhagwat referred to the teachings of Swami Vivekananda while explaining what he described as India's destiny. Citing Vivekananda's belief that every nation has a destiny to fulfil, Bhagwat said India's role was connected to helping realise and communicate the principle of unity in diversity. He said the central message was that people are fundamentally one, while diversity adds richness and expression to that underlying unity. “We are one,” Bhagwat said while elaborating on the concept.
His remarks at the New York gathering placed unity, diversity and plurality at the centre of his message to the audience. By linking the social fabric of India and the United States, Bhagwat presented both countries as societies where differences can exist alongside a broader sense of togetherness. The presence of religious leaders and the event's focus on universal oneness complemented the theme of his address, which connected India's cultural philosophy with a wider message about coexistence and shared humanity.
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