MUMBAI: Addressing the gathering amid recent student-led protests over issues including the alleged NEET paper leak, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Thursday that the Gen Z movement was not against the country and that the protesters' grievances were genuine.
He stressed the need for reforms in India's education system and emphasised that dialogue was essential.
"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 noted.
"The new generation appeared more honest, with appeals of patriotism and service resonating with them."
Bhagwat addressed and interacted with more than 2,000 students representing Generation Z and Generation Alpha at the inauguration of the annual championship conference organised by India's International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN), which is celebrating its 15th anniversary.
"A protest is also a way of dialogue," the RSSS Chief said.
"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."
He also remarked that he would not say Gen Z should not protest, but noted that democracy has established ways and methods, pointing to the Constitution and the ideas of B.R. Ambedkar.
He emphasised the evolving nature of communication between generations.
Speaking on youth dynamics and leadership, Bhagwat noted that unlike previous eras where obedience went unquestioned, today's young generation seeks reason, logic, and clarity.
"When we were young, it was an era of obedience. That's not the case anymore," the RSS Chief remarked.
"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."
He highlighted the need to bridges generational gaps, cautioning against the decline of meaningful dialogue within families amid digital distractions and social media influences.
Elaborating on India's role on the global stage, Bhagwat encouraged the youth to understand core Indian values while stepping into global leadership roles.
He urged the younger generation to stay grounded in national heritage while critically engaging with diverse ideological perspectives.
IIMUN founder Rishabh Shah highlighted the significance of providing young minds exposure to diverse streams of thought.
"No matter what the ideology is, when we think about Bharat, everyone needs to come together to build future leaders," Shah said, emphasising the relevance of figures ranging from Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel to Swami Vivekananda and Veer Savarkar.
--IANS
