Manoj Mukund (MM) Narvane, the ex-Army Chief who came into limelight after his unpublished memoir raised a debate in the Lok Sabha, talked about Gen Z. He recently spoke about the need to understand the younger generation and their distinct way of looking at the world. Reflecting on the differences between generations, Naravane said that Gen Z may have its own perspectives, but that does not necessarily make them wrong.
“The new generation has its own way of looking at things, but that doesn't make them wrong,” Naravane said, highlighting the importance of accepting changing viewpoints instead of dismissing them simply because they differ from traditional thinking.
MM Naravane talked about Gen Z
Former Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane talked about Gen Z on Friday. Talking to media, he said, "That is no longer the philosophy now. Now you change cars every five years, does that mean you are a bad person? No, but that is the way, you know, things have evolved.”
“Similarly the new generation also has their own way of looking at various things, which may not always be in line with your thinking, but that doesn't make them wrong. So you have to understand what makes them tick and harness those energies,” he added.
Responsibility to guide youngsters
On being talking about youngsters' perspective, retired Army Chief said, "Understand what makes them tick and harness that energy,” Naravane says, stressing that Gen Z does not want harm to befall the country and believes its actions are aimed at its betterment. So let's understand them rather than just scolding them. It is very easy to scold someone. They are our own children, and if there is something wrong in a child's thinking, it is our responsibility to help remove it. Otherwise, what are we elders for?”.
Remarks after Kargil incident
Naravane's remark came after a woman disputing in Kargil and calling herself Gen Z.
This occurred a day after multiple former Army leaders supported soldiers following a viral clip depicting a woman disputing with security staff at the Minimarg checkpoint in Kargil, Ladakh.
VK Singh, the former Army chief and governor of Mizoram, stated that critiques of the armed forces should stem from factual evidence instead of emotional responses or broad accusations. He labeled the event a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of troops and stated that disrespecting them was inappropriate.
Understanding Gen Z perspective
Gen Z, broadly referring to people born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, has grown up in a vastly different environment from previous generations. With smartphones, social media, instant communication and easy access to information shaping their lives, their approach towards work, relationships, authority and social issues can often be different.
Naravane's remarks underline the importance of intergenerational understanding. While older generations may sometimes find younger people's choices unfamiliar, differences in perspective are not necessarily a sign of a lack of discipline or values.
