RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday described India's youth as a "demographic dividend" and said the country could benefit substantially from its young population if they are guided and supported properly. However, he cautioned that the same demographic advantage could become a burden on society in the future if the potential of young people is not channelled effectively. Bhagwat made the remarks during an interaction with members of Generation Z organised by the Lokmat media group in Nagpur.

In his second interaction with Gen Z within 10 days, Bhagwat said young people should not limit their thinking to their immediate interests. He pointed out that today's youth would themselves grow older in the coming decades and therefore need to consider the needs and aspirations of future generations. He urged young people to look beyond individual ambitions and recognise their broader responsibilities towards society and the country.

Bhagwat also stressed the importance of employment and said work should not be understood only in terms of conventional jobs. According to him, India's young population will increasingly become an earning section of society, making productive participation in the economy important. He said employment also includes labour and other forms of work and argued that such work should be treated with dignity and respect.

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The RSS chief also called for greater emphasis on entrepreneurship and urged young people to face difficulties with courage while working towards success. He said India's development approach should not simply replicate models followed by countries such as the United States, Australia, China or New Zealand. Instead, he argued that young Indians should understand the country's distinct circumstances and develop their own benchmarks for progress and development.

Bhagwat said India has a responsibility to contribute to the world's future by presenting a vision based on balance. Referring to what he described as the world's "imperfect vision", he said global challenges require a more balanced approach and asserted that Bharat should prepare to show a possible future path. He maintained that the country's development should be guided by a thought process suited to its own social and cultural circumstances rather than being based entirely on comparisons with other nations.

Drawing a parallel with the large Tricolour that had been hoisted at the event after considerable effort, Bhagwat asked the audience to reflect on what the national flag represents and the effort required to take the country to a higher position. He said the responsibility of building a stronger India rests with its citizens and urged young people in particular to approach that responsibility without constantly comparing the country with others.

Bhagwat's remarks placed India's large young population at the centre of the country's long-term development prospects. His comments combined a call for employment, entrepreneurship and respect for all forms of work with an emphasis on developing an Indian approach to progress. He said the country's youth could become a major strength if their potential is properly harnessed, while warning that failing to provide appropriate direction and opportunities could turn the demographic advantage into a challenge for society.

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