RSS Chief Bhagwat Calls for Unity in Diversity

GG News Bureau
New York, 31st Aug: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat called for greater global unity while emphasising the importance of celebrating and respecting diversity during his keynote address at the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York on August 29.

The event was organised by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD Forum).

Comparing the ideas associated with the United States and Bharat, Bhagwat said pluralism is frequently discussed in the context of America, while Bharat is associated with “unity in diversity”. He said both unity and diversity are part of Bharat’s civilisational ethos.

“Diversity is natural and unity is Truth,” Bhagwat said, describing diversity as a “decoration of oneness”.

‘Every nation has a destiny’
Bhagwat said nations are not merely geographical entities and argued that every nation has a larger role and destiny to fulfil.

He said Bharat’s role is to realise and communicate the idea of unity in diversity, adding that diversity should be “celebrated”, “respected” and “accepted” while maintaining a sense of oneness.

Referring to Swami Vivekananda, Bhagwat said every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfil and a destiny to reach.

He contrasted two approaches to social coexistence — “live and let live” and an approach that seeks to protect only those who obey. He advocated fraternity based on the understanding that all human beings share a common responsibility to sustain life.

‘We belong to each other’
Bhagwat emphasised the sense of belonging among human beings despite differences in their physical identities and circumstances.

“In spite of different bodies and everything being different, there is something within that is same. We belong to each other,” he said.

He also described Dharma as the principle that unites and sustains different aspects of existence, prevents divisions and maintains balance.

Stress on environmental responsibility
The RSS chief also spoke about humanity’s responsibility towards nature and the people whose work sustains everyday life.

He said agriculture, farmers, workers and industries contribute to basic necessities such as food and clothing, creating an obligation for individuals to give back to society and the environment.

He emphasised that remembering one’s duties towards others and the environment should become an integral part of social life.

‘Bharat’s message should be demonstrated through practice’
Bhagwat said Bharat’s global message should be conveyed through conduct rather than preaching.

He said the country’s mission is to share the understanding of unity and work for the betterment of the world, adding that Bharatiyas across the world should demonstrate these values through their own actions.

Addressing the Indian diaspora, he spoke about fulfilling responsibilities towards the Karmabhoomi — the country where one lives — while continuing to live by the values of the Janmabhoomi.

“We are united in oneness and decorated by diversity. Diversity is natural and unity is Truth. We celebrate diversity as the decoration of oneness,” Bhagwat said.

Religious leaders adopt five-point action plan
Before Bhagwat’s address, a “One World One Humanity” call-for-action resolution involving religious leaders was presented.

According to the organisers, 180 religious leaders from 30 countries announced a five-point action plan focused on taking responsibility for the future. The resolution committed to protecting the dignity of communities facing humiliation or violence and rejected the use of religion to justify hatred, humiliation, dehumanisation or violence.

Raksha Bandhan was also observed at the event, with participants tying Rakhis to one another as a gesture of unity and responsibility.

The organisers said around 250 organisations supported the programme, with approximately 6,000 delegates from 39 US states, 850 US cities and 29 countries participating in the celebration.