Wall Street Journal Ad Featuring RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Draws Praise From Hindu American Leaders
Washington — Hindu American community leaders have praised a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, saying its message of unity and respect for diversity reflected values important to the community.
The paid advertisement appeared on Page A5 of the newspaper’s Sept. 3 edition and featured a photograph of Bhagwat alongside remarks from his address at the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York on Aug. 29.
“Our oneness and diversity has to be celebrated, has to be respected, has to be accepted. India has a civilizational ethos built on Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family. India is a living example of this diversity,” Bhagwat was quoted as saying in the advertisement.
The advertisement described Bhagwat as the head of the “World’s Largest Voluntary Organisation,” referring to the RSS. It said the New York event drew 5,000 delegates representing 250 organizations from 853 cities across 39 U.S. states.
According to the disclosure printed on the page, the advertisement was paid for by RSS Friends.
Businessman and community leader Ramesh Bhutada said the advertisement had become a source of pride for Hindu Americans.
“I am delighted to see full page ad in Wall Street Journal. It represents very spirit of Hinduism it makes all Hindu American feel proud of their heritage,” Bhutada said.
Sudesh Agrawal, director of the AHEAD Forum, said the message emphasized dialogue and cooperation with other communities.
“The Hindu community in the Americas has unequivocally conveyed its commitment to engaging in dialogue and collaboration with all other communities for the collective advancement of humanity,” Agrawal said.
“We extend our sincere gratitude for the esteemed platform provided by the Wall Street Journal to disseminate this message to the public,” he added.
The advertisement centered on the theme of Universal Oneness and highlighted the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, a Sanskrit phrase commonly translated as “the world is one family.”
Bhagwat is the Sarsanghchalak, or chief, of the RSS, a Hindu volunteer organization founded in Nagpur in 1925. The organization marked its centenary in 2025 and has a large network of local branches and affiliated organizations across India.
The Aug. 29 gathering at Madison Square Garden brought together Hindu Americans and representatives of community organizations from across the United States. The event focused on community cooperation, universal oneness and the role of Indian civilizational values in promoting harmony across diverse societies. (Source: IANS)
