Daijiworld Media Network – London

London, Sep 5: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday said it was open to dialogue with all sections of society, amid protests and opposition to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s visit to the United Kingdom.

Bhagwat is currently in London as part of his three-nation centenary outreach tour, which began on September 2 and will continue until September 7.

The RSS response came after several civil society organisations in the UK urged London Mayor Sadiq Khan to oppose events involving Bhagwat and called for the Greater London Authority to distance itself from programmes organised by the organisation.

RSS media in-charge Sunil Ambekar said differing opinions were a normal part of a democratic society and maintained that the organisation was willing to engage with those seeking dialogue.

He said the RSS intended to use Bhagwat’s visit to communicate its views, outlook and understanding of society while remaining open to debate and an exchange of ideas.

Around 20 civil society groups had written to the London mayor and the UK authorities opposing Bhagwat’s proposed event. The organisations described the RSS in strongly critical terms and urged authorities not to provide official support or venues for the programme.

The letter was reportedly signed by groups including Hindus for Human Rights, UK-Indian Muslim Council, India Labour Solidarity and South Asia Solidarity Group.

The developments in London follow Bhagwat’s recent visit to New York, where he addressed more than 5,000 people at the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden.

During the New York event, Bhagwat focused on themes including unity, diversity and dharma, while presenting the RSS's vision of social cohesion.

Bhagwat’s overseas tour is being held as part of the RSS’s centenary outreach programme, with the organisation seeking to engage with communities and present its views on unity, diversity and social integration.