Nagpur: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat is in London for the final leg of a three-city international outreach marking the organisation’s centenary, carrying a message centred on social harmony, community service and the civilisational idea of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family.Bhagwat arrived in London on Sept 2 and will remain there until Sept 7. His visit follows engagements in New York and Toronto and comes as the RSS marks 100 years since its founding in 1925 by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar during India’s freedom struggle.According to a statement issued by Akhil Bhartiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar, the overseas programme has sought to present the RSS’s experience and worldview to communities, institutions and public figures beyond India.In April, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale travelled to the UK, the US and Germany, holding engagements with academics, parliamentarians, business leaders and members of the Indian diaspora. His programme included discussions at Chatham House in London, Stanford University and the Hudson Institute in the United States, as well as policy institutions in Berlin.Bhagwat’s current tour began in New York on Aug 29 at the invitation of AHEAD, or American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue. The RSS said a multi-faith leaders’ meeting there drew 175 participants from different denominations and religions. He also addressed the “Universal Oneness” conference at Madison Square Garden, attended by more than 6,000 delegates from 853 cities and 39 US states, representing 250 organisations. About 250 university students also participated.The interfaith meeting adopted a five-point “Call for Action” resolution, according to Ambekar.In Toronto, Bhagwat addressed the “Hindu Vishwa Bandhu” conference at the invitation of CHORD, or Canadian Hindus for Outreach, Relations and Dialogue. More than 2,000 delegates representing 175 organisations from all 10 Canadian provinces participated, the Nagpur-headquartered organisation said.“The London leg is being coordinated by Integral, a UK-based organisation working to foster dialogue and collaboration among communities and institutions in Britain and between UK and India. More than 115 UK-based socio-cultural organisations have joined the programme,” Ambekar said.Bhagwat’s London engagements include meetings with faith leaders, academics, researchers and other public figures. He has visited the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Willesden and the Khalsa Jatha British Isles gurdwara and is scheduled to visit a Jain temple.A community leaders’ reception and civilisational dialogue, titled “Celebration of Oneness”, is scheduled for Sept 6. Initiated by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK, established in Britain in 1966, with support from Integral, the event is expected to bring together more than 310 community organisations and associations from across the United Kingdom.The RSS says the international programme is intended to share its experience of “selfless service and social harmony” and its broader vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. The London programme therefore marks not only the final stop of Bhagwat’s current overseas tour but also a major international component of the RSS’s centenary year.#Key takeaways:RSS chief Bhagwat is in London from Sept 2 to 7 for the final leg of a three-city centenary outreach.Prog follows engagements in New York and Toronto focused on interfaith dialogue, social cohesion and civilisational values.More than 115 UK-based socio-cultural organisations are supporting the London programme.A Sept 6 event is expected to draw more than 310 community organisations.
