Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), said that protests by Gen Z are not anti-national [1, 2].
This stance marks a significant perspective from the leadership of one of India's most influential right-wing organizations. By framing youth dissent as a legitimate part of a democratic process, Bhagwat suggests a shift toward engagement rather than confrontation with the younger generation.
Bhagwat said that Gen Z is not anti-national and emphasized that dialogue is essential [2]. He said that protest is a legitimate form of dissent within a democracy, and that movements are necessary to bring about improvements in the system [1, 2].
According to Bhagwat, these protests represent honest dissent from youth who are demanding reforms in the education system [1, 2]. He said that the grievances of the youth must be addressed through communication and systemic changes to ensure the stability and progress of the nation.
"In a democracy, protest is also a way of agreement, and there should be movements for improvement in the system," Bhagwat said [1].
His comments highlight a need for the state and educational institutions to listen to the demands of students and young professionals. He said that instead of labeling dissenters as enemies of the state, the focus should remain on the underlying issues driving the unrest [1, 2].
“Gen Z is not anti-national, dialogue is essential.”
The comments from the RSS chief suggest a strategic effort to bridge the gap between traditional conservative ideologies and the values of India's youngest adult generation. By validating youth protest as a democratic tool rather than a threat to national security, the RSS may be attempting to integrate Gen Z into its ideological fold while acknowledging the systemic failures of the current education system.
