Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has urged Indians living in the United States to remain loyal to the country where they live and work, describing America as their “karma bhumi”, or land of duty. He made the remarks while addressing the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday.
Addressing the Indian diaspora, Bhagwat said that people who live and earn in America should consider themselves Americans and conduct themselves accordingly. He stressed that members of the diaspora have a responsibility towards their country of residence and should fulfil that responsibility first.
Bhagwat contrasted this with India’s role as their “janma bhumi”, or land of birth. He said the emotional and cultural connection with India can continue, but any desire to contribute to the country of their birth should come only after fulfilling their responsibilities towards America. Such contribution, he added, is possible but “not obligatory.”
The RSS chief also spoke about the values that Indians carry from their homeland. According to Bhagwat, India expects its diaspora to preserve and practise the values it has inherited, particularly the principle of oneness the idea that humanity and nature are interconnected.
His remarks came amid attention surrounding his US visit. The event in New York was attended by around 5,000 Indian-Americans, according to reports. Bhagwat's visit had also drawn criticism from some US-based groups and public figures, who raised concerns about the RSS and its views on religious minorities in India.
Addressing those concerns during his speech, Bhagwat said the RSS does not support excluding any community. He argued that Hinduism, as he understands it, recognises different paths towards the same goal and therefore cannot be based on hostility towards Muslims or other communities.
Bhagwat also linked his message to the broader idea of “unity in diversity.” He said differences in appearance, worship and culture do not necessarily mean people are fundamentally separate. Instead, he presented oneness as a principle that can connect people despite their differences.
His message to the Indian-American community therefore combined civic responsibility towards the United States with continued cultural ties to India placing duty towards the country of residence first while encouraging the diaspora to carry forward the values associated with their homeland.
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