‘RSS Friends’ registers in US
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 group said it may engage with journalists, media organisations, researchers, academic and policy institutions, community leaders and civil-society organisations. “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 event was organised by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) Forum, according to the filing-related reports. Earlier reporting noted: “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. Earlier reporting noted: It said the absence of a written contract should not be understood as a representation that no relationship, request, understanding, coordination, authorisation, direction, or other relevant factual connection exists. Earlier reporting noted: “RSS Friends will disclose the actual facts relevant to its activities,” it said.
It also listed participation in educational, cultural, community and informational events among its proposed activities.
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, according to the filing. “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. “RSS Friends will disclose the actual facts relevant to its activities,” it said.