RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a nearly 42-minute speech at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday night. He said that unity and diversity are in India’s DNA. People may look different and have different ways of living, but there is an innate connection among all of them.
Bhagwat said unity in diversity is India’s traditional way of thinking and that the country has, from time to time, made the world realise this. He further said that the ability to think is a blessing for human beings. Right thinking brings a person closer to God, while wrong thinking brings them closer to animals.
More than 5,000 Indian-origin Americans attended the ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’ event held at Madison Square Garden in New York. It was organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD). The event was attended by 180 religious leaders from 30 countries.
5 key points from Bhagwat’s speech…
1. Dharma is not just worship, but a principle that maintains balance in life: Bhagwat said the principle called dharma in India should not be understood merely as religion or worship. Dharma is a system that sustains the universe and life. It helps maintain balance between different aspects of life.
2. Material comforts alone cannot bring satisfaction in life: Bhagwat said money, possessions and other material comforts cannot always bring happiness. Material pleasure is temporary, and a lack of satisfaction can remain despite having plenty of comforts.
3. America is your karmabhoomi; be true to it: Addressing Indians living in America, Bhagwat said their first responsibility is towards their karmabhoomi and that they should remain loyal to it.
4. Life is not about directly embracing renunciation; every stage has its responsibility: Bhagwat said human life has four stages — Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sannyasa. One must first learn, then take care of family and society, and later pass on their experiences to the next generation.
5. Individuals, society and the environment must progress together: Bhagwat said neither individuals nor society should be suppressed for progress. The well-being of individuals, society and the environment must go hand in hand.
4 pictures from the event…
