New York Delhi, 30 August (H.S.): Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat said here on Saturday that every nation has a message, a mission and a destiny. He said India’s destiny is to help the world understand the essence of unity in diversity, asserting that diversity does not weaken unity but instead enhances its beauty.

Addressing the Universal Oneness Celebration organised by Ahead Forum in Manhattan, New York, Mohan Bhagwat referred to the teachings of Swami Vivekananda. He said, “Swami Vivekananda had said that every country has a message, every country has a mission, and every country has a destiny that it has to fulfil. What is India’s destiny? India’s role is to understand ‘unity in diversity’ itself and, from time to time, make the world realise it as well. We are one, and it is diversity that makes that unity even more beautiful. Therefore, diversity should be celebrated.”

Bhagwat said diversity should be celebrated, respected and accepted, while people must simultaneously preserve a sense of unity within themselves. According to him, despite differences in forms and identities, the underlying spirit of unity remains real.

He urged Indians to convey the message of unity in diversity through their conduct and behaviour. Bhagwat said India should not communicate this message to the world merely through speeches or sermons. Instead, Indians must demonstrate it through their actions and way of life. He said this is the path through which India can fulfil its responsibility.

He said people may differ in their physical appearance, attire and methods of worship, yet there is an enduring element that connects everyone. He compared this to different beads strung together on a single thread, saying that the same inner essence forms the basis of unity among all people.

Bhagwat said the purpose of human life is not merely to attain material comforts. According to Indian philosophical traditions, life is meant to pursue the truth and move towards liberation, while also working for the welfare of the world.

He described dharma as a principle that maintains balance and explained that it should not be understood merely as religion or a particular mode of worship. According to him, dharma is a framework for maintaining harmony among individuals, society and the environment. He said India must convey this understanding to the world through its conduct.

The event was attended by 6,000 delegates from 39 US states and 853 cities, along with more than 250 students from various universities and representatives of over 250 organisations. As part of the programme, 180 religious leaders from 30 countries announced a five-point action plan outlining their shared responsibility towards the future.

The religious leaders categorically stated that religion cannot be used to justify hatred, humiliation, inhuman treatment or violence. A resolution adopted under the call for “One World, One Humanity” expressed a commitment to stand up for the dignity and security of every community.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar