Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said that Gen Z protests are a genuine form of democratic dialogue and not anti-national [1, 3].
The statement marks a significant tone for the nationalist organization, as it validates the grievances of young Indians who have faced accusations of disloyalty while protesting government policies [2, 3].
Addressing a gathering of Gen Z students, Bhagwat said the youth are the next generation of the country. He said, "I'm saying, if Gen Z is protesting, they're not anti‑national. They're our own people. They're our next generation" [3].
Bhagwat said the youth are honest and patriotic, and that they should not be branded with labels of treason for expressing their concerns [2]. He framed the act of protesting as a legitimate tool within a democratic framework, stating, "Protest is also a way of dialogue in a democracy" [1].
While acknowledging the legitimacy of these concerns, the RSS chief said students should pursue their goals through constitutional methods. He stressed the importance of consensus-building, and a sense of belonging, to prevent national division [2, 3].
Bhagwat's message serves as a call for the government to recognize the authenticity of youth grievances rather than dismissing them as external or subversive influences [1]. By framing protest as a dialogue, he positioned the struggle for rights and resources as a patriotic endeavor rather than a rebellion against the state [2, 3].
“Protest is also a way of dialogue in a democracy.”
This shift in rhetoric from the RSS chief suggests an attempt to bridge the gap between the traditionalist right-wing establishment and a more skeptical, activist younger generation. By decoupling protest from 'anti-nationalism,' Bhagwat is attempting to integrate Gen Z into the nationalist fold while signaling to the government that dismissing youth dissent may be counterproductive to long-term social stability.
