Mohan Bhagwat, the head of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is scheduled to appear in New York City this Saturday for a public address. The RSS is a prominent Hindu nationalist organization in India, and Bhagwat’s visit has become a focal point for critics who oppose the group’s ideology and political influence.

In response to the announcement of the speech, various activist groups have organized protests in the city. These demonstrators are calling for local authorities to intervene and are urging international bodies to consider sanctions against the RSS. Critics of the organization often point to its historical ties to Hindu nationalist movements and express concerns regarding its impact on religious minorities in India. Conversely, supporters of the RSS view the organization as a cultural and social movement dedicated to the preservation of Hindu values and national identity.

While the event is proceeding as planned, the tension surrounding the visit highlights the ongoing debate regarding the influence of Hindu nationalism both within India and among the Indian diaspora in the United States. The Independent reports that the visit has served as a catalyst for these public displays of opposition, though specific details regarding the size of the expected protests or the official response from city officials remain limited at this time.