RSS Sarasanghachalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat presented the book “SWAYAMSEVAK” authored by Dr Malini Bhattacharjee
New York: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat visited the ISKCON temple in New York during his ongoing US tour on August 28 and participated in a food distribution initiative for homeless people, stressing that Krishna consciousness can help overcome conflicts and divisions in the world.
Addressing devotees at the temple, Bhagwat spoke about the importance of consciousness in bringing people together despite differences and conflicts.
“In today’s world, there are so many conflicts, so many dualities. The only thing that unites is consciousness. That consciousness is Krishna Consciousness – we are one and we have been having it through these dualities of this world with the strong understanding that though there are so many diversities, dualities, conflicts, really it is all Krishna,” Dr Bhagwat said.
He said that if the understanding that everything is part of Krishna reaches people’s hearts, it could contribute to creating a better and more harmonious world.
“Everything is Krishna – if that world reaches every heart, the world will definitely be a better world; it will not be the material world we see today, it will be a heavenly abode for every human being,” he added.
Meanwhile, Gaurang Das, a member of ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC), said, “It is a matter of great pride for us that Mohan Bhagwat ji, the Sarsanghchalak, is visiting the ISKCON temple here in Manhattan today. Back in 1966, ISKCON’s founder, Srila Prabhupada, established ISKCON right here in New York. This year, as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marks its 100th anniversary, ISKCON is celebrating its 60th anniversary. We are engaging in discussions with Mohan Bhagwat ji on three core themes: spirituality, service and social transformation. For the past year, we have been running a major initiative called ‘Zero Hunger New York’. Today, Mohan Bhagwat ji will inaugurate the milestone of serving our 100,000th plate, which is why we extended this invitation to him.
He adds, “During Mohan Bhagwat ji’s visit, we are discussing how to bring Hindu Sanatana Dharma into every household and inspire people to practise it in their daily lives. We are grateful to him for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit the ISKCON temple and bless us all with his address. On behalf of ISKCON, I, Gaurang Das, express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this event a success. Following today’s programme, an interfaith conference will take place tomorrow morning, featuring Mohan Bhagwat ji, ISKCON and several other religious organisations.”
Bhagwat’s visit comes ahead of his scheduled address to the Indian diaspora at Madison Square Garden on August 29 at the ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’, being organised as part of the RSS centenary-year programmes.
The RSS Sarsanghchalak arrived in New York on Tuesday as part of a three-nation outreach tour covering the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
The upcoming event has drawn criticism in New York. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he did not support the RSS event but acknowledged that he was unsure whether the city administration had jurisdiction to cancel a privately organised gathering.
Meanwhile, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Shri Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, who is scheduled to attend the programme, said those protesting the event have the right to express their views and criticise it.
He said the event would convey a message of universal fraternity and harmony, emphasising the Indian cultural belief that the world is one family.
RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar described the ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’ as an interfaith gathering bringing together a diverse, multicultural and multi-faith audience.
The Hindu American Foundation has also issued a security advisory ahead of the event, urging attendees to remain vigilant, maintain situational awareness and keep interactions civil. (With inputs from ANI)
