Hindu nationalist leader spurs protests and calls for sanctions ahead of New York City speech
- An event featuring Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, is scheduled in New York City.
- The event is titled 'Universal Oneness Celebration' and is organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue.
- Protests have emerged in response to Bhagwat's scheduled address, which is expected to attract around 5,000 attendees.
- New York City's mayor has denounced the event, and a U.S. panel on religious freedom has called for sanctions against Bhagwat.
An event scheduled for Saturday in New York City featuring Mohan Bhagwat, the head of a Hindu nationalist group, is facing protests and calls for sanctions. Bhagwat is the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which is considered instrumental in bringing India's ruling party to power.
The event, titled 'Universal Oneness Celebration,' is organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue and is expected to draw around 5,000 attendees at Madison Square Garden.
Critics have raised concerns over Bhagwat's involvement, linking him to the promotion of Hindutva, a political ideology that seeks to define Indian culture in terms of Hindu values. The mayor of New York City has publicly denounced the event, and a U.S. panel on religious freedom has called for sanctions against Bhagwat.
印度民族主义领袖在纽约市演讲前引发抗议并呼吁制裁
定于周六在纽约市举行的活动，主讲人是印度民族主义团体的首领莫汉·巴格瓦特，正面临抗议和制裁呼声。巴格瓦特是拉什特里亚·斯瓦扬塞瓦克·桑赫的首席，被认为在推动印度执政党上台方面发挥了重要作用。
该活动名为“普遍统一庆典”，由美国印度教徒参与与对话组织主办，预计将在麦迪逊广场花园吸引约5000名与会者。
批评者对巴格瓦特的参与表示担忧，认为他与促进印度教文化的政治意识形态“兴都教文化”有关。纽约市市长已公开谴责该活动，美国宗教自由委员会呼吁对巴格瓦特实施制裁。