RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat conducts international outreach tour

Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is conducting an international outreach tour through the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom to mark the organization’s centenary year.

During his visit to London from September 2 to 7, Bhagwat is engaging with community leaders, academia, and the Indian diaspora. The tour aims to address international misconceptions regarding Hindutva and the concept of Bharat, which the RSS describes as a cultural concept rather than a rigid political nation-state. In London, Bhagwat has emphasized that the foundation of the RSS is ‘Shuddha Saatvika Prem’ (pure, noble love) and ‘apnapan’ (oneness), rejecting claims that the organization is based on hatred.

The visit has met with mixed reactions. While the RSS describes the tour as a civilisational dialogue to foster mutual understanding, various civil society groups in the UK have urged authorities to oppose the events, citing concerns over religious polarization and the organization’s influence. The RSS has responded by stating it is open to debate and transparent dialogue, asserting that differing views are a normal part of democracy.