The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has issued a security advisory ahead of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s scheduled address at Madison Square Garden in New York on August 29, urging the city administration to ensure the safety and civil rights of all attendees.
In its advisory, the US-based Hindu advocacy and educational organisation asked the Hindu-American community to remain vigilant and maintain situational awareness ahead of the event.
HAF also urged New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to fulfil his responsibility to protect everyone attending the gathering, amid calls from activists and political figures to oppose or cancel the event.
HAF urges Mamdani to ensure safety
In a post on X, HAF said the community should “stay vigilant” and keep interactions civil. The organisation said attempts had been made by activists to disrupt or cancel the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden.
HAF called on Mamdani to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers, including those attending the event, and to protect their civil rights.
The advisory comes amid a wider controversy surrounding Bhagwat’s planned appearance in New York, with the event drawing opposition from some activists and political figures.
Mamdani says he opposes the event
Mamdani has publicly expressed opposition to the planned gathering. However, he has also acknowledged that the city may not have the legal authority to cancel a private event.
“I don’t support the rally, but I don’t know if the city has any jurisdiction on cancelling a private event,” Mamdani said at a news conference.
The mayor also referred to his Indian-American background, saying his family’s understanding of India was rooted in the idea of a pluralistic and secular society where everyone belongs.
He said he was troubled by what he described as the rise of an exclusionary political movement and maintained that his position was based on his commitment to New York’s principles of belonging and inclusion.
USCIRF criticism adds to controversy
The controversy has also intensified following criticism from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).
The commission alleged that religious freedom conditions in India were deteriorating and called on the US government to consider targeted sanctions against RSS members and Indian officials whom it accused of involvement in religious freedom violations.
The Ministry of External Affairs rejected the criticism, describing USCIRF as a biased institution and questioning its credibility.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the organisation had repeatedly made what India considers incorrect and provocative statements and argued that it should be ignored.
Bhagwat’s US visit
Bhagwat arrived in New York as part of a three-country global outreach tour covering the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
The tour has been organised during the RSS centenary year and follows invitations from overseas groups.
His Madison Square Garden address, organised by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD), is scheduled for August 29 and is expected to coincide with the traditional observance of Raksha Bandhan.
With the event approaching, the HAF advisory has placed renewed emphasis on security, peaceful conduct and the protection of attendees amid the ongoing political debate surrounding Bhagwat’s visit.
