Mohan Bhagwat Addresses Debate Over Gen Z And Protests
Bhagwat addresses Gen Z protests and patriotism debate.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said that members of Generation Z should not be labelled as anti-national merely for raising concerns or participating in protests. Addressing a youth-focused conference titled “The Role of Youth in Uniting the World, the Indian Way”, Bhagwat said that young protesters are part of the country’s future generation and their concerns should be addressed.
Bhagwat described Gen Z as “apne log” (our people) and said that if the younger generation is expressing dissatisfaction, it should be understood rather than dismissed. He added that protests are a part of democracy, but there are established ways of expressing disagreements within a democratic system.
The 75-year-old RSS chief said he would not suggest that Gen Z should avoid protests, but emphasised the importance of following democratic methods. He also praised younger generations, stating that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are more honest and responsive to issues related to patriotism and public service.
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Bhagwat’s remarks came days after student-led protests in Delhi over alleged irregularities linked to the undergraduate medical entrance examination paper leak issue. The demonstrations reportedly resulted in political pressure and demands for accountability, with protesters raising concerns over transparency and the future of students.
The issue also drew reactions from opposition leaders, including Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, who said the concerns of young people regarding the education system should be respected. He described the protests as an expression of frustration among the country’s youth rather than an act driven by anger or hostility.
With more than half of India’s 1.4 billion population below the age of 35, young voters are expected to play a major role in shaping the country’s political landscape. Gen Z is likely to become one of the largest voting groups ahead of the 2029 general elections, increasing the importance of addressing youth-related concerns through dialogue and democratic engagement.
Also Read: Mohan Bhagwat To Interact With Gen Z, Gen Alpha On August 6
