Indian American Sikh Leader Welcomes RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s U.S. Visit

Washington — Indian American Sikh leader Jasdip Singh Jassee has welcomed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat’s high-profile visit to the United States, saying it creates an opportunity for dialogue with minority communities and for the organization to explain its mission.

Jassee said Bhagwat’s visit has drawn significant attention because of the scale and visibility of his engagements with the Indian American community.

“In my memory, I don’t ever recollect that Mohan Bhagwatji made such a high visual, this prominent visit to US before,” Jassee said.

He pointed to Bhagwat’s scheduled appearance at Madison Square Garden and other events as signs of the visit’s prominence.

Jassee also said the visit reflected America’s commitment to freedom of expression, including for organizations that may face opposition from some groups.

“RSS is a very important organization from India and this also shows that the freedom of speech that America has, that it welcomes everyone despite differences they might have with RSS views,” he said.

Acknowledging that some groups in the United States have unfavorable views of the RSS, Jassee said Bhagwat should use the trip to address those concerns directly and explain the organization’s objectives.

“There are certain pockets in US who don’t agree with RSS ideology or who have negative views of RSS,” he said.

“And I would expect that Mohan Bhagwatji during his visit clarifies all that and get the perception out and really show American people what RSS is about, what their real mission and vision is,” he added.

Jassee said protests against Bhagwat’s visit were likely and defended the right of people to demonstrate. However, he argued that dialogue could be more productive.

“Of course, there are going to be protests. Again, there’s a freedom of protest in America, but I personally believe that dialogue is much more fruitful and a lot of things can be resolved through dialogue,” he said.

Jassee also said he would raise concerns involving the Sikh community directly with Bhagwat if given the opportunity.

“So if I get any opportunity of dialogue, I would certainly bring up the minority Sikh issues with Mohan Bhagwatji,” he said.

The RSS was founded in Nagpur in 1925 and marked its centenary in 2025. The organization has built a broad network of affiliates involved in social, cultural, educational and political activities.

Bhagwat has served as the RSS Sar Sanghchalak, or chief, since 2009. (Source: IANS)