‘RSS Friends’ enters US foreign-agent register, cites concerns over portrayal of Sangh

'RSS Friends' registers in US

A group of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) well-wishers has registered with the US Department of Justice (DoJ) as a foreign agent representing the organisation. The group, named RSS Friends, aims to expand outreach in the US and respond to information it considers inaccurate or lacking relevant context.The group registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) on August 27, listing the RSS at Keshavkunj, New Delhi, as its “foreign principal”. The registration document provided a Georgia address for the group.According to the filing, RSS Friends intends to undertake informational, educational, public-relations and community engagement activities, including responding to accounts of the RSS that it believes are inaccurate, incomplete or lack relevant context.“RSS Friends does not have a written employment, consulting, lobbying, public-relations, or agency agreement with RSS containing specified deliverables, compensation, or detailed operational instructions,” the group said in its filing.It cautioned, however, that the absence of a written contract should not be interpreted as meaning there is no relationship or coordination between the two organisations.

“RSS Friends will disclose the actual facts relevant to its activities,” it said.The group said it may engage with journalists, media organisations, researchers, academic and policy institutions, community leaders and civil-society organisations. It also listed participation in educational, cultural, community and informational events among its proposed activities.“Consistent with its governing documents and applicable law, it may communicate with members of the public, journalists, media organisations, researchers, academic and policy institutions, community leaders, civil-society organisations, and, where appropriate, government agencies or officials,” RSS Friends said.The filing describes the RSS as an India-based volunteer and social-cultural organisation. Its board of directors comprises Rajendra Sonarikar, Jayant Pant and Devananda Gaddam.On its website, RSS Friends says its efforts are aimed at addressing what it describes as misconceptions about the organisation and their impact on the Indian diaspora, particularly Hindu Americans.“In the United States, politically motivated actors and media often misrepresent the RSS, creating negative repercussions for the Indian diaspora, particularly Hindu-Americans,” the website states.It adds, “We believe that over time, these efforts will dispel misconceptions about the RSS and, more importantly, support the integrity of the Hindu-American community.”The registration was submitted two days before RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Universal Oneness Celebration at New York’s Madison Square Garden on August 29. The event was organised by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) Forum, according to the filing-related reports.