Gen Z protesters are not 'anti-national', their grievances are genuine: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Mumbai

RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat interacts with India`s International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN) founder Rishabh Shah in Mumbai, on Thursday. PIC/PTI

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said Gen Z protesters should not be labelled "anti-national", asserting that their grievances are genuine and calling for reforms in India's education system through dialogue and democratic engagement, news agency IANS reported.

Speaking at the inauguration of the annual championship conference organised by the India's International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN), Bhagwat addressed more than 2,000 students from Generation Z and Generation Alpha as the organisation marked its 15th anniversary.

Referring to recent student-led protests over issues including the alleged NEET paper leak, Bhagwat said the younger generation should not be viewed with suspicion.

"If Gen Z is protesting, they are not anti-nationals. They are our own people, our next generation... I do not believe Gen Z is like that... I think the new generation -- the Gen Z and Gen Alpha, is more honest than our existing generation, and honest appeal of patriotism and service works with them," he stated.

He added that the younger generation responds positively to values rooted in patriotism and public service.

Describing protests as an important democratic tool, Bhagwat said they should be used to build consensus rather than deepen divisions.

Bhagwat says Gen Z seeks reason, not unquestioned obedience

"A protest is also a way of dialogue."

He added: "In a democracy, protests are also a way of building consensus. A lot of views come together, and consensus is evolved after discussions. That discussion may happen through dialogue. However, due to various reasons, if a concern is not heard, one may move towards agitation. But all these steps should be taken to evolve a consensus, not to create divisions."

Bhagwat said he would not discourage Gen Z from protesting, but emphasised that democracy provides established constitutional mechanisms for expressing dissent, referring to the ideas of BR Ambedkar and the Constitution.

Speaking about changing generational dynamics, the RSS chief said today's youth seek reason, logic, and clarity instead of unquestioned obedience.

"When we were young, it was an era of obedience. That's not the case anymore," the RSS chief said, adding, "The new generation asks questions, and we have to explain the reasoning to them. We need to give them affection, spend quality time, and maintain open lines of communication."

Bhagwat also highlighted the need to bridge the communication gap between generations, warning that meaningful dialogue within families was declining amid the growing influence of digital platforms and social media.

RSS chief urges youth to stay rooted in Indian values while embracing global leadership

On India's role in the world, he encouraged young people to understand the country's core values while preparing to take on global leadership roles. He urged them to remain rooted in India's cultural heritage while engaging critically with diverse ideological perspectives.

Speaking at the event, IIMUN founder Rishabh Shah stressed the importance of exposing young people to different schools of thought.

"No matter what the ideology is, when we think about Bharat, everyone needs to come together to build future leaders," Shah said, adding that inspiration could be drawn from leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Swami Vivekananda, and Veer Savarkar.

(With IANS inputs)