Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said Thursday that protesting does not make Gen Z anti-national during a youth gathering in Mumbai [1, 2].
The statement marks a significant tone for the nationalist organization, acknowledging the legitimacy of youth dissent and framing protest as a tool for democratic engagement rather than a sign of disloyalty.
Speaking to a large conference of Gen Z youth, the 75-year-old leader said that the grievances held by the younger generation are genuine [1, 2]. He said that those who choose to agitate are still part of the national fabric and represent the future of the country.
"If the Gen Z is agitating, they certainly aren't anti-nationals; they are our own people, our next generation," Bhagwat said [1].
Bhagwat said the act of protesting is a necessary mechanism when other channels of communication fail. He urged the youth to maintain a sense of belonging while seeking solutions to their concerns through dialogue.
"If your voice isn’t heard, you can protest – it’s a form of democratic dialogue," Bhagwat said [3].
The RSS chief said the organization recognizes the need for a supportive environment where the voices of the youth are heard. By validating these frustrations, he sought to bridge the gap between the traditionalist views of the RSS and the modern expectations of India's youth.
Bhagwat's remarks on Aug. 6 [2] suggest an effort to integrate Gen Z into the nationalist fold by reassuring them that disagreement with current systems does not equate to an attack on the nation itself.
“"If the Gen Z is agitating, they certainly aren't anti-nationals; they are our own people."”
This shift in rhetoric from the RSS leadership suggests a strategic attempt to broaden the organization's appeal among younger Indians. By decoupling 'protest' from 'anti-nationalism,' the RSS is attempting to preempt the alienation of Gen Z and create a pathway for youth to remain within the nationalist framework even while criticizing specific policies or social conditions.
