Mohan Bhagwat Featured on Times Square Billboard Ahead of New York Event (Video)

Visuals featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat appeared on digital billboards at New York’s iconic Times Square on Friday. The display comes ahead of his scheduled address at the "Universal Oneness Celebrations" at Madison Square Garden. The Manhattan display marks a prominent moment in Bhagwat’s ongoing multi-nation international outreach tour.

Times Square Display Signals Global Outreach

Footage shared on social media and news networks showed large digital screens in Midtown Manhattan displaying images of the RSS chief. The billboard presence serves as a prelude to the main event organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD). The event, hosted at the Infosys Theatre inside the Madison Square Garden complex, is part of a broad diaspora outreach during the RSS's centenary year. Bhagwat’s global itinerary includes stops in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani Opposes RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Madison Square Garden Event.

Community Events and Local Engagements

Prior to his address, Bhagwat engaged in local community initiatives across New York City. On Friday, he visited the historic ISKCON temple on 26 Second Avenue in Manhattan. During the visit, he offered floral tributes to ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada and participated in a community food distribution drive for the underprivileged. Organizers highlighted that the program at Madison Square Garden focuses on cultural performances, music, and addresses centered around global harmony and the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).

Discourse and Differing Perspectives

The high-profile visit has drawn significant attention and mixed reactions across civic and political spheres in New York. While over 200 Hindu-American organizations expressed support for the event, a coalition of civil rights and interfaith organizations announced plans to assemble outside the venue to voice opposition. Mohan Bhagwat’s New York Event: X Suspends Account of Host Organisation AHEAD Days Before RSS Chief’s Rally.

RSS Chief Featured on Digital Billboards Ahead of New York Address

VIDEO | Photos of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat appeared on a billboard at New York’s Times Square ahead of his address at Madison Square Garden.

(Source: Event organisers and community leaders) pic.twitter.com/ZKIQVliBDn

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 29, 2026

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly noted his ideological disagreement with the organization's platform while clarifying that municipal authorities do not hold jurisdiction to halt privately rented venue engagements. Despite differing viewpoints, security measures around the venue have been coordinated to ensure public safety as thousands gather for the event.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 29, 2026 04:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).