If Hindus think Muslims have no place, they cease to be Hindu: Mohan Bhagwat in New York - The Hindu

**RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat warns against exclusionary Hinduism at New York address**

*New York, USA –* Speaking to a gathering of Indian diaspora organisations at a cultural‑political forum in Manhattan, RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a keynote speech that underscored the organisation’s long‑standing emphasis on “unity in diversity.” Bhagwat told the audience that the very identity of a Hindu is inseparable from the acceptance of India’s pluralistic fabric, stating, “If any Hindu thinks there should be no Muslims in Bharat, he will not remain a Hindu.” He framed this as a moral imperative rather than a partisan stance, invoking the ancient Indian principle of *sarva bhāva samanvaya* (harmony of all beings) and urging Hindus to view the country’s myriad faiths as integral to its national ethos.

The speech also outlined the RSS’s broader worldview. Bhagwat asserted that the organization’s vision “is to see the world as one,” positioning the RSS’s ideological outlook as globally inclusive while rooted in Indian tradition. He highlighted historic episodes of communal co‑existence, citing the Mughal and Maratha periods as examples of mutual respect, and warned that any narrative that marginalises a community runs counter to India’s constitutional spirit. The chief’s remarks echoed similar statements made in recent domestic rallies, where he has repeatedly linked the health of Indian democracy to its capacity to accommodate all religious groups.

Reactions to the New York address have been mixed. Several Indian political leaders, including members of the ruling coalition, praised Bhagwat for reaffirming secular values and called the message “timely” amid rising communal tensions. Conversely, some critics and right‑leaning commentators view the comments as a strategic soft‑sell aimed at tempering the RSS’s hard‑line image ahead of the 2024 general elections. Observers note that the speech, delivered on the eve of a key diaspora fundraising cycle, may be intended to bolster the RSS’s international credibility while reinforcing its domestic agenda of cultural nationalism grounded in inclusivity.