'If Gen Z Is Agitating, They Aren't Anti-Nationals': RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Calls For Dialogue With Youth

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said young people raising their voices over issues affecting them should not be branded as anti-national, stressing that their concerns must be heard and addressed through dialogue and democratic processes.

Bhagwat addresses youth conference

Speaking at the International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN) Annual Championship Conference at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai, Bhagwat interacted with members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha during an event attended by more than 2,000 students from over 100 cities across the country.

The event marked the 15th anniversary celebrations of IIMUN and focused on the theme, "The Role of Youth in Uniting the World, the Indian Way."

Addressing recent student protests, Bhagwat said the younger generation was not seeking conflict but was instead trying to draw attention to genuine concerns.

"If the Gen Z is agitating, they certainly aren't anti-nationals; they are our own people, our next generation," the RSS chief said.

Remarks on democratic protest

Without directly naming any movement, Bhagwat's remarks came against the backdrop of recent student-led protests in Delhi that culminated in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Emphasising the importance of debate in a democratic society, Bhagwat said protest was a legitimate means of building consensus when grievances remained unaddressed.

"In democracy, protest is also a method to have consensus. Dialogue is the first step, but if voices are not heard, people have the right to agitate. However, agitation should be aimed at correcting the system, not creating divisions," he said.

Changing mindset of youth

Bhagwat also highlighted the changing mindset of younger generations, saying Gen Z and Gen Alpha were more inclined to question authority and demand logical explanations.

Reflecting on the contrast with earlier generations, the 75-year-old leader said young people today expect reasoned answers rather than unquestioning obedience.

He compared modern democratic discourse with the Indian tradition of "shastrarth", a process of debate and exchange of ideas aimed at discovering truth through multiple perspectives.

Bhagwat further stressed that policymakers and institutions should recognise that protests often stem from unresolved concerns rather than hostility and that constructive engagement remained the best way to address them.