RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to visit US and Canada for centenary outreach

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to visit the United States and Canada during the last week of August as part of the organization's centenary-year global outreach campaign, known as “Sampark Abhiyan.” The campaign aims to strengthen engagement with the Indian diaspora and international cultural, educational, and research institutions. In New York, Bhagwat is expected to address the “Oneness Celebration” in Manhattan on August 29, focusing on themes of social harmony and universal brotherhood.

His proposed visit to Canada has met with opposition. Two Canadian Members of Parliament and a coalition of 267 civil society groups have urged the Canadian government to review his admissibility or deny him entry, citing concerns regarding religious majoritarianism and the treatment of minorities.

Domestically, Bhagwat has also focused on youth engagement. In recent interactions with younger generations in Mumbai, he addressed the importance of dialogue, noting that protests can serve as a way to improve systems when communication with the government is lacking. While the RSS maintains it does not interfere in government functioning, the organization's extensive network of affiliated groups continues to influence various sectors including education and social service.