RSS chief’s visit to US denounced as ‘goodwill tour’ for Hindu nationalism

An event in New York City featuring a prominent Hindu nationalist is being promoted as an invitation to send a positive message that “the world is one family”.But an array of faith groups, advocacy organisations and unprivileged-caste organisations say they are not convinced. They fear Saturday’s rally, held at Madison Square Garden, is instead a high-profile effort to whitewash a record of discrimination and violence.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Oneness or Hindu supremacy? RSS chief Bhagwat’s secretive New York hostslist 2 of 3What is Hindutva, and what are the roots of this political movement?list 3 of 3Why India’s RSS is lobbying the West amid attacks on minorities at homeend of listAt issue is the Universal Oneness Celebration, hosted by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue, a nonprofit that purports to advance “greater peace and harmony”.One of its keynote speakers, however, will be Mohan Bhagwat, the leader of the Hindu paramilitary organisation Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His organisation has been accused of embracing discriminatory policies and stoking violence against minorities, including India’s Muslim, Christian and Sikh populations.Pr...