RSS Leader to Speak in New York

The head of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Mohan Bhagwat, is slated to deliver a speech in New York on Thursday, 12 May, at the American Institute of Indian Studies in Manhattan. The event, organized by the institute’s Indian diaspora community, will take place at 7 p.m. local time and is expected to attract a mix of academics, business leaders and members of the Indian‑American community.

The RSS, founded in 1925, is a Hindu‑nationalist organization that has long been at the center of political and social debate in India. Critics accuse the group of promoting an exclusionary vision of Indian identity, while supporters argue it promotes cultural cohesion. Bhagwat’s appearance abroad is part of a broader outreach strategy aimed at strengthening ties with the Indian diaspora and countering negative portrayals of the RSS in international media.

The speech is anticipated to spark discussion on the role of the RSS in India’s politics and its influence overseas. Organizers have emphasized that the event will remain a platform for dialogue, and security arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth proceedings.