Sibal says Bhagwat’s words on diversity must reflect in actions
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Sunday, Aug 30 took a swipe at RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over his remarks in the US that unity in diversity is in Bharat's DNA, saying words don't matter and actions must speak.
Sibal, a senior advocate and Independent Rajya Sabha MP, criticised Bhagwat's comments, calling it a case of "wise words abroad" but "silence at home."
"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 on X.
His remarks followed comments by the RSS chief that unity in diversity is in Bharat's DNA, and that it has to be celebrated, respected and accepted.
Addressing more than 6,000 members of the Indian-American community and interfaith leaders at a rally at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday, Bhagwat called for embracing diversity and supporting communities.
"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, drawing applause at the "Universal Oneness Celebration," organised by the American Hindus For Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) forum.
For Bharat, both unity and diversity are in its DNA, he said, citing Swami Vivekananda's message that every nation has a mission to accomplish and a destiny to fulfil. "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.
"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 in the nearly hour-long address.
