New York, August 30: Mohan Bhagwat, the leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), announced the organization’s support for religious leaders promoting interfaith cooperation. He stated that sustained grassroots efforts can transform the atmosphere of conflict and distrust around the world.
Speaking at the “One World, One Humanity” event in New York, which hosted over 180 participants from 30 countries, Bhagwat affirmed, “The RSS stands firmly with you, as we share a common vision.”
He emphasized the need to respect and protect religious diversity, noting that different faiths are merely varied paths to the same ultimate truth.
“Unity in diversity is our internal decoration. We must accept it, respect it, and protect it. Just as I safeguard my unique nature, I must also protect that of others,” he remarked.
Bhagwat expressed that it is the RSS’s responsibility to carry this message beyond India. “We believe we possess the knowledge that all humanity is one, and it is our duty to spread this message worldwide, affirming that despite our diversity, we are united. Diversity is a law of nature, while unity is the underlying truth.”
During the event, he addressed questions regarding the RSS’s perspective on Muslims. He recalled a 2018 discussion in Delhi with Muslim participants, where he was asked if the concept of a Hindu nation would exclude Muslims from India. Bhagwat responded, “No. If someone believes that no Muslims should exist in India, they cease to be a Hindu. To identify as Hindu, one must acknowledge that all paths lead to the same destination, and every individual possesses dignity. There should be no discrimination among humans.”
He noted that dialogue with Muslim and Christian communities in India has continued since that meeting in 2018.
Bhagwat stressed that dialogue and service must go hand in hand, starting not from politics but from within society. “These things do not stem from politics. Regrettably, politics has become a game of self-interest. We, as a society, are the solution. Our experience in India shows that we must begin from the community level.”
He added that when a strong public consensus forms within society, political policies are inevitably influenced. In a democracy, it becomes challenging for politicians to ignore public opinion.
“Whatever decisions we make today should start in our own country, creating areas of selfless service and unity. We must model the world we wish to see right here,” he stated.
Bhagwat called for advancing interfaith dialogue beyond national leadership forums to provincial, district, and local levels. He asserted that local engagement can dispel distrust and demonstrate how communities can collaborate through service.
“If we begin to work together, we can change the state of the world,” he concluded, while also cautioning that patience is essential, as changing people’s mindsets takes time.
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