New Delhi, Aug 31:
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Sunday criticised RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over his remarks on India’s “unity in diversity” made during an event in New York, accusing him of speaking differently abroad and remaining silent on similar issues at home.
Bhagwat, addressing more than 6,000 members of the Indian-American community and interfaith leaders at Madison Square Garden, said unity in diversity was part of Bharat’s DNA.
He said diversity should be celebrated, respected and accepted while maintaining a sense of oneness.
Bhagwat referred to the concept of pluralism in the United States and said India’s unity in diversity was equally fundamental to the country’s identity.
He also invoked Swami Vivekananda’s message about India’s larger role in promoting the idea of unity in diversity.
Reacting to the remarks, Sibal said Bhagwat’s words in New York were “wise words abroad” but alleged that there was “silence at home”.
The Independent Rajya Sabha MP argued that actions were more important than words and suggested that Bhagwat’s message on diversity should also be reflected in developments within India.
Bhagwat’s comments were made during the Universal Oneness Celebration organised by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue forum.
Speaking to the gathering, the RSS chief said diversity was not something that weakened India but something that enriched its unity.
He said the country had a responsibility to demonstrate to the world how unity and diversity could coexist.
Bhagwat’s remarks come amid continuing political debate over religious harmony, pluralism and the nature of Indian identity.
Sibal’s response has added a political dimension to the RSS chief’s comments, with the former Union minister questioning whether the message delivered to an overseas audience was reflected in domestic political and social discourse.
The exchange is likely to fuel the ongoing debate between the ruling establishment and its critics over pluralism, minority rights and the meaning of national unity.