Faith leaders have stated they were misled into attending a controversial "Hindu unity" event in New York last month, which focused on the Hindutva ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its leader Mohan Bhagwat.

The event, described by some attendees as a "cultural program," has drawn criticism for its alleged links to the RSS, a Hindu nationalist organization with a history of controversial activities and alleged discrimination.

A pastor and an imam, who spoke on condition of anonymity, reported that they were invited under the pretext of a interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange. They expressed shock and dismay upon realizing the event's true focus and its association with the RSS, an organization they stated they would not have participated with had they known.

These faith leaders indicated that the organizers did not disclose the full agenda or the specific nature of the organization behind the event. They felt their participation was exploited to lend an air of legitimacy to an event promoting a particular political and religious ideology.

While the specific details of the invitations and the organizers' representations remain unclear, the faith leaders' statements suggest a deliberate effort to obscure the event's core message and affiliations. Their accounts raise questions about transparency and ethical practices in organizing interfaith and cultural gatherings.

The RSS, founded in 1925, is a prominent right-wing Hindu organization that advocates for Hindutva, a political ideology that seeks to define Indian culture and national identity in terms of Hindu values. Critics have accused the RSS of fostering religious intolerance and contributing to communal tensions in India.

This incident highlights the potential for religious and cultural events to be co-opted for political purposes, particularly when affiliations are not clearly disclosed. The faith leaders' experiences underscore the importance of due diligence for individuals and organizations participating in such events.

Further details regarding the specific organizers and their methods of recruitment for the event have yet to emerge. The revelations prompt a need for greater scrutiny of similar events and clearer communication regarding their underlying agendas and affiliations.