Mohan Bhagwat asks US diaspora to stay loyal to karmabhumi

Newyork,UPDATED: Aug 30, 2026 08:00 IST

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday urged the Indian diaspora in the US and elsewhere to remain “loyal” to their “karmabhumi” or place of work, while speaking about India’s ethos of unity in diversity. Addressing more than 6,000 members of the Indian-American community and interfaith leaders at Madison Square Garden’s Infosys Theatre, he also called on people to embrace diversity and give back to the communities they live in.

The event, titled ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’, was organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD), a non-profit group in the US. In his nearly hour-long speech, Bhagwat said unity and diversity are in the “DNA of both Bharat (India) and the United States of America”.

Speaking about the responsibilities of the diaspora, Bhagwat said, “What is our duty? We are in America. We live in America. We earn in America and we should behave true to America. (People from Bharat) have a duty to their karmabhoomi. They must fulfill that. They should be loyal to their karmabhoomi, because Bharat is their janmabhoomi. If they have the urge to do something, they can do that after fulfilling their duty to their karmabhoomi. It is not prohibited, but it is not obligatory. Your janmabhoomi expects you to live the values it has imparted to you.”

He also said, “Bharat is there to realise and, from time to time, to 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, respected, (and) accepted. And at the same time, we must keep in mind this feeling of oneness. It is a very real feeling.” Before his keynote address, interfaith leaders stressed the message of oneness, unity and diversity, and the need to help one another.

The programme began with a cultural performance by young Indian-American children, who presented songs and dance reflecting India’s and the world’s musical diversity. The performances highlighted cultures from regions including Africa, Latin America, China, Europe and the Middle East. Earlier, Bhagwat met members of the diaspora, Indian-American business executives and community leaders, and also visited the Bhakti Centre in New York to pay tributes to Indian spiritual leader Srila A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON. Overall, the event centred on Bhagwat’s message of duty to one’s karmabhumi and respect for unity in diversity.

With PTI Inputs

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