Guwahati: Invoking unity in diversity on foreign soil, Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat commented that the open-minded individuals embracing the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (entire Earth is one family) may differ in body, shape, and complexions, but in essence all are one. Addressing a massive gathering at ‘Hindu Vishwa Bandhu – Embrace the World in Friendship’ event in Toronto of Canada, the RSS chief analysed Bharat’s civilisational ethos for global helpfulness and unity. Organised by Canadian Hindus for Outreach, Relations and Dialogue (CHORD), the event on 30 August 2026 attracted a massive gathering, where Dr Bhagwat highlighted the universal nature of the Hindus.
“Whenever Bharat is asked for help anywhere in the world, it has never refused. We even extend a helping hand without being asked for. This is our tradition, the Bharatiya DNA,” said the Sarsanghchalak, adding that true enlightenment lies in looking past external differences to recognise the underlying spiritual unity of humanity. Bharat by the nature of its character, became a Vishwaguru, but not a Mahashakti. So the rise of Bharat means more united, more emancipated humanity, he asserted. Recalling historical and modern examples of Bharat stepping up during international humanitarian crises, Dr Bhagwat mentioned about the plight of Polish refugees during the 2nd World War, who were offered refuge by the Maharaja of Jamnagar until they could safely return home.
Pointing to modern conflicts in the Middle East, Dr Bhagwat highlighted how Bharatiya military transport aircrafts rescued not only Bharatiya citizens but also nationals from seven other countries trapped in the war zone. He noted that Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Parsis have historically found peaceful refuge and knowledge in Bharat without fear of persecution. On the previous day too, while addressing an event titled ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’ held at Madison Square Garden in New York of the USA, the sixth (and current) Sarsanghchalak of the century-old socio-cultural organisation, invoked Swami Vivekananda’s preaching to portray Bharat’s core value as unity in diversity. He also insisted that India must show the world that diversity can coexist with oneness.
Delivering the keynote address at the New York event, organised by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD Forum), Dr Bhagwat argued that the RSS believes, the world humanity is one, and it is the duty of the organisation to go all over the world and tell everybody that, in spite of diversities, we are one. The RSS chief also added that the ‘Bharatiya diaspora’ must remain loyal to their ‘Karmabhumi’, which is their country of residence, but asserted that they must carry the values imparted by their ‘Janmabhumi’. Indian diaspora should fulfil their responsibilities towards their ‘Karmabhumi’ first before they develop any desire to contribute to their ‘Janma bhumi’, said Bhagwat, adding, “What is our duty? We are in America, we live in America, we earn in America. So we are American. And we should behave true to America.”
Talking about Bharat’s vision of the world, Sarsanghchalak Bhagwat said, every nation has a destiny to fulfil. What is the destiny given to Bharat? Bharat is there to realise, and from time to time make the world realise this unity in diversity. We are one, and due to diversity, that oneness is decorated. So diversity has to be celebrated, has to be respected, has to be accepted. At the same time, we must keep in mind this feeling of oneness. Nations are not made by just geographical boundaries. As Vivekananda said, every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfil, and a destiny to reach.
“There are two tendencies. One tendency is: live and let live. Another tendency is: live, and let only those live who obey us. Those who say, “If you obey us, we will protect you”—protection is raksha in Sanskrit, in Hindi. So, those who protect only those who obey are Rakshasas. And there are others who say, “No matter whether you obey or not, hear me or not, what is your opinion, what you think about me, or how useful you are to me-these are very minor things. The major thing is that we are all human beings. We have to sustain life, and so we have to live with fraternity,” added Bhagwat. He further added that the principle, which unites everything, which upholds everything, which doesn’t cause a rift -let not that happen- and which balances everything, that is Dharma.
Raising the issue of our commitment to protect the environment, Bhagwat said, Why do we celebrate Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, etc. nowadays? Because, we remember our duty towards them. We also remember our duty towards the environment. Before you eat, there has to be agriculture in the world. That is why you can eat. If farmers stop farming, what will you eat? You are wearing your clothes because there are mills, labourers are working, and cotton-growing farmers are still there. We owe everything to someone else. So we need to give back, he stated. Mentionable that 250 Organisations, 6000 delegates from US cities, and 29 other countries participated in the oneness celebration.
RSS Sarsanghchalak urges Indian diaspora to remain loyal to Karmabhumi
