New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Sunday criticised Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat for speaking about India’s pluralistic character during his visit to the United States, saying such principles must be reflected in actions and not remain limited to statements, PTI reported.
Reacting to Bhagwat’s remarks that unity in diversity forms part of Bharat’s DNA, Sibal described them as “wise words abroad” accompanied by “silence at home”.
The senior advocate and Independent Rajya Sabha member shared his views in a post on X.
“Bhagwat in New York: ‘Diversity is a decoration of our innate unity. It has to be protected’. Wise words abroad, silence at home. Words don’t matter, actions must speak!” Sibal said.
His comments followed Bhagwat’s address in New York, where the RSS chief said unity amid diversity was intrinsic to Bharat and called upon people to celebrate, respect and accept differences while preserving a sense of oneness.
Bhagwat was speaking to more than 6,000 members of the Indian-American community and interfaith leaders at a large gathering held at the Infosys Theatre in New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden on Saturday.
The event, titled the Universal Oneness Celebration, was organised by the American Hindus For Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) forum.
Drawing a comparison between the United States and Bharat, Bhagwat said pluralism was commonly associated with America, while Bharat was widely identified with the idea of unity in diversity.
“When we say America, United States of America, one word is often discussed, that is pluralism. And when we say Bharat, another phrase is discussed: unity in diversity,” he said, receiving applause from the audience.
Bhagwat said both unity and diversity were embedded in Bharat’s national character. He referred to Swami Vivekananda’s message that every nation had a distinct mission and a destiny to fulfil.
“For Bharat, this unity and diversity, both are in the DNA,” he said, adding that Bharat had a responsibility to recognise and help the world understand the principle of unity within diversity.
“What is the destiny given to Bharat? Bharat is there to realise, and from time to time, make the world realise this unity in diversity. We are one, and due to this diversity, that oneness is decorated,” the RSS chief said.
He further maintained that differences should be embraced without losing sight of the common bond that unites people.
“Diversity has to be celebrated, respected, accepted, and at the same time, we must keep in mind this feeling of oneness. It is a very real feeling,” he said during his nearly hour-long address.
