Indian-American investor Asha Jadeja Motwani praises Mohan Bhagwat’s 'unshakable confidence' in Indian youth

• Asha Jadeja Motwani met RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in New York.
• She praised his “unshakable confidence” in Indian youth.
• Bhagwat discussed technology, space, clean energy and India’s future.
• Motwani called him a “true believer” in U.S.-India friendship.
• Bhagwat is set to address the Indian diaspora at Madison Square Garden.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s visit to New York has brought together discussions on India’s future, its young population and the relationship between India and the United States.

At a roundtable with industry leaders and executives, Indian-American venture capitalist Asha Jadeja Motwani said she was impressed by Bhagwat’s confidence in India’s youth and his belief that young Indians can play a major role in shaping the country’s future.

The meeting was part of Bhagwat’s three-day visit to the United States during the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s centenary-year global outreach programme.

Focus on India’s young generation

Motwani said the 75-year-old RSS chief showed what she described as a strong “bias” towards Indian youth. She said his confidence in young Indians was one of the most striking aspects of their interaction.

“It was clear to see that he has unshakable confidence in Indian youth, and believes in the change that they are demanding. He seems to be their biggest champion in the country. Lucky for India.”

She said the discussion left her optimistic about the role India’s younger generation could play in bringing change.

“I have come away from the meeting 100 per cent bullish that the Indian youth will drive change in unprecedented ways. And RSS will help them overthrow the last vestiges of colonial structures that keep India slow. Proud of my home country India. What does Mr Bhagwat think of the US? He's a true believer in US-India friendship and bridge building… and has promised us that he will visit us more often,” Motwani said.

Her comments highlight the perspective of an Indian-American business leader who sees India's growing youth population as an important force for economic and social change.

Technology, business and US-India ties

The New York roundtable also covered a wide range of subjects linked to India’s technological and economic future.

In a post on X, Motwani said Bhagwat fielded questions from participants representing different industries, including telecommunications, space, clean energy, technology and quantum computing.

The discussion comes at a time when the U.S.-India relationship has become increasingly important across technology, business, energy and innovation.

For Indian-American entrepreneurs and investors in the United States, such conversations also offer an opportunity to connect developments in India with the wider American business and technology ecosystem.

Motwani described Bhagwat as a strong supporter of closer ties between the two countries, particularly through people-to-people connections and bridge building.

Bhagwat prepares for Madison Square Garden event

The roundtable took place ahead of Bhagwat’s scheduled appearance at the Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden on August 29.

The event is expected to bring together about 6,000 people from the Indian diaspora and other communities.

Organized by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue, the gathering is being presented as a major Raksha Bandhan event involving hundreds of Hindu, cultural, spiritual, service and community organizations from across the United States.

The program will include cultural performances and keynote speeches built around the theme of universal oneness and the Hindu philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which means “the world is one family.”

Bhagwat’s New York visit therefore comes with two overlapping messages: confidence in India’s younger generation and a push for stronger connections between India and its large diaspora in the United States.