Wise words abroad, silence at home: Kapil Sibal jabs RSS chief over unity remark

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal took a swipe at RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat after he said that unity in diversity is in Bharat's DNA at his New York speech.Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal slammed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's remarks in US, saying actions must speak as words don't matter.Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Sunday criticised RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over his remarks in the US that unity in diversity is in Bharat's DNA, saying words do not matter and actions must speak. The Independent MP and senior advocate said Bhagwat's comments contrasted with what he described as silence on the issue at home.Bhagwat had made the remarks while addressing more than 6,000 members of the Indian-American community and interfaith leaders at a rally at Infosys Theatre in Madison Square Garden, New York, on Saturday. In his address, he said diversity must be celebrated, respected and accepted, and linked the idea of unity in diversity to Bharat's identity.Reacting to the speech, Sibal said on X, "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!" He said Bhagwat's statement amounted to "wise words abroad" but "silence at home".Speaking at the 'Universal Oneness Celebration' organised by the American Hindus For Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) forum, Bhagwat said, "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," drawing applause from the audience. Bhagwat said both unity and diversity are in Bharat's DNA, and cited 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," he said.In his nearly hour-long address, Bhagwat 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." - EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 30, 2026 11:25 IST