RSS Chief Bhagwat Addresses Indian Diaspora at Madison Square Garden
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed a gathering in New York, discussing India's civilisational ethos, the limits of materialism, and diaspora responsibility.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed a gathering of the Indian diaspora at Madison Square Garden in New York, offering reflections on India's cultural identity, the pursuit of material wealth, and the responsibilities of those living abroad.
Bhagwat described India's destiny as realising and demonstrating 'unity in diversity' to the world. He said that while Indians are one people, the diversity within the country decorates that fundamental oneness. He also touched upon the Indian tradition of worshipping plants on specific days, framing it as a reminder of humanity's duty towards the environment.
On the subject of material happiness, Bhagwat used the analogy of eating doughnuts to illustrate that material abundance is transitory and ultimately cannot provide permanent satisfaction. He argued that human beings, endowed with the capacity to think and discern right from wrong, are responsible for the world and can realise this underlying unity through right thinking.
Addressing the diaspora directly, Bhagwat said that those living and earning in America have a duty to their adopted country and should be loyal to it. He added that if they find the time and means, they can also care for Bharat, though the motherland does not expect this but rather hopes they live by the ideals India has given them.
Bhagwat concluded by urging the audience to adopt a resolve to improve their lives one small step at a time, mentioning the 'Panchapari Van' programme as a societal initiative to create a sustainable mode of life.