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Mohan Bhagwat billboard appears in Times Square ahead of RSS chief’s New York event
India🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive4 hr. ago

Mohan Bhagwat billboard appears in Times Square ahead of RSS chief’s New York event

A billboard featuring Mohan Bhagwat, the leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), appeared in Times Square in New York on Friday, just hours before he was set to speak at an event organized by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) at Madison Square Garden. The event, titled 'Universal Oneness Celebrations,' included cultural performances and was part of Bhagwat's three-nation outreach tour through the U.S., Canada, and the UK. Prior to the event, Bhagwat visited an ISKCON temple in New York, participating in religious rituals and community service activities. However, the event sparked controversy, with over 200 Hindu American organizations supporting it while more than 61 interfaith and secular groups opposed it, citing concerns over the RSS's ideology. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticized the RSS as promoting an 'exclusionary vision' and questioned the legitimacy of the event, though organizers emphasized the event's goal of fostering unity and global harmony.

5 reports

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentCenter4 hr. ago
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's New York event: Where and when to watch live

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is set to deliver a speech at an event titled 'Universal Oneness Celebrations' in New York on August 29, 2026, at Madison Square Garden. Organized by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) forum, the invite-only event aims to promote unity through cultural programs, performances, and discussions. Over 5,000 attendees are expected, with participation from more than 250 partner organizations. However, the event has sparked controversy, particularly due to comments by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who criticized the RSS's 'exclusionary vision' and expressed concerns about the organization's alignment with India's secular values. Some U.S.-based Hindu groups have also protested the event, arguing that it does not represent the broader Hindu community.

Bias read (Center): While the event involves a prominent political figure associated with a politically charged organization (RSS), the article presents information about the event's logistics, organizers, and controversies without overtly endorsing or criticizing any side. It includes perspectives from both the event-

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentCenter12 hr. ago
Mohan Bhagwat billboard appears in Times Square ahead of RSS chief’s New York event

A billboard featuring Mohan Bhagwat, the leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), appeared in Times Square in New York on Friday, just hours before he was set to speak at an event organized by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) at Madison Square Garden. The event, titled 'Universal Oneness Celebrations,' included cultural performances and was part of Bhagwat's three-nation outreach tour through the U.S., Canada, and the UK. Prior to the event, Bhagwat visited an ISKCON temple in New York, participating in religious rituals and community service activities. However, the event sparked controversy, with over 200 Hindu American organizations supporting it while more than 61 interfaith and secular groups opposed it, citing concerns over the RSS's ideology. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticized the RSS as promoting an 'exclusionary vision' and questioned the legitimacy of the event, though organizers emphasized the event's goal of fostering unity and global harmony.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view of the controversy surrounding Mohan Bhagwat's event, including both support and opposition from various groups. It reports on the differing perspectives without overtly favoring one side, presenting the positions of supporters, critics, and officials neutrally.

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentProgressiveyesterday
'RSS does not represent us': US-based Hindu group among 61 organisations protesting Mohan Bhagwat's NYC event

The event organized by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) forum featuring RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in New York City has sparked controversy. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed concerns over the RSS's Hindutva ideology, describing it as exclusionary. Over 61 interfaith and secular organizations, including Hindus for Human Rights, have protested the event, arguing that the RSS does not represent them. These groups have urged the mayor to ensure the safety and civil rights of all attendees. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) issued a security advisory, warning of potential disruptions and urging the mayor to uphold his duty to protect all New Yorkers. Despite the protests, the city government stated it lacks jurisdiction to cancel a private event.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the controversy around the RSS's Hindutva ideology as exclusionary and incompatible with pluralism and secularism, aligning with progressive values. It highlights the opposition from interfaith and secular organizations, emphasizing the perceived threat posed by the RSS's ideology

The Indian Express logoThe Indian ExpressIndependentProgressive2 days ago
Dear Zohran Mamdani, here are some things you may not know about Mohan Bhagwat

The article titled 'Dear Zohran Mamdani, here are some things you may not know about Mohan Bhagwat' by The Indian Express appears to be a letter or commentary addressing Zohran Mamdani, likely a journalist or public figure, with the intent to provide information or critique regarding Mohan Bhagwat. The piece seems to focus on revealing lesser-known aspects of Mohan Bhagwat, who is a prominent leader within the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing organization in India. While the content suggests a critical or informative tone, the exact nature of the claims or arguments made is not fully detailed in the provided text. The article does not offer specific examples or evidence to substantiate its points, leaving the reader with a general impression of the author’s intent rather than concrete information.

Bias read (Progressive): The article appears to frame Mohan Bhagwat in a manner that could be interpreted as critical of his role or influence within the RSS, which is associated with right-wing politics. The tone and structure suggest a potential left-leaning perspective, possibly aiming to highlight perceived issues or im

The Indian Express logoThe Indian ExpressIndependentProgressive2 days ago
‘Don’t support the rally but…’: NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani opposes RSS event at Madison Square Garden

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has expressed opposition to an event organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization, which was planned to take place at Madison Square Garden. While Mamdani did not explicitly endorse the event, his comments suggest disapproval of the RSS's presence in the city. The RSS is known for its ideological alignment with Hindu nationalism and has been involved in various political activities across India. This situation highlights tensions between local governance and organizations with controversial ideologies.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the mayor's opposition to the RSS event in a manner that emphasizes concerns over the ideology of the organization, aligning with a critical perspective towards Hindu nationalism. The phrasing 'opposes RSS event' suggests a negative view of the group, which is consistent with a左倾(

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