Sikh American leader Jasdip Singh Jassee has welcomed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat's high-profile visit to the United States, saying the trip presents a rare opportunity for the organisation to address concerns among minority communities — including those of the Sikh community — through direct dialogue.

A Visit of Unusual Prominence

Jassee described Bhagwat's US engagements as notably more visible than previous trips. 'In my memory, I don't ever recollect that Mohan Bhagwatji made such a high visual, this prominent visit to US before,' he said. Among the scheduled events, Bhagwat is set to address a large gathering of the Indian American community at Madison Square Garden in New York, drawing significant attention from diaspora groups and observers alike.

America's Freedom of Expression on Display

Jassee framed the visit partly as a reflection of America's commitment to free expression. 'RSS is a very important organization from India and this also shows that the freedom of speech that America has, that it welcomes everyone despite differences they might have with RSS views,' he said. He acknowledged that pockets of the US diaspora hold critical or unfavourable views of the RSS, and argued that Bhagwat should use the platform to directly address those perceptions. 'I would expect that Mohan Bhagwatji during his visit clarifies all that and get the perception out and really show American people what RSS is about, what their real mission and vision is,' Jassee added.

Protests Expected, But Dialogue Preferred

Jassee said protests against the RSS chief's visit were likely, given existing opposition from certain community groups. He defended the right to demonstrate but expressed a preference for engagement over confrontation. 'Of course, there are going to be protests. Again, there's a freedom of protest in America, but I personally believe that dialogue is much more fruitful and a lot of things can be resolved through dialogue,' he said.

Sikh Issues on the Agenda

The Sikh American leader also indicated he would raise concerns specific to the Sikh minority community if he secured a direct meeting with Bhagwat. 'So if I get any opportunity of dialogue, I would certainly bring up the minority Sikh issues with Mohan Bhagwatji,' Jassee said. This comes amid broader conversations within the Indian American diaspora about the RSS's relationship with minority communities back in India.

About the RSS and Bhagwat

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was founded in Nagpur in 1925 and marked its centenary in 2025. The organisation operates an extensive network of affiliates spanning social, cultural, educational, and political domains. Mohan Bhagwat has served as its Sar Sanghchalak, or chief, since 2009. Whether this US visit translates into substantive dialogue with critics and minority voices — or remains a community consolidation exercise — will likely define its long-term significance.