New Delhi: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has defended the right of Gen Z to raise concerns through protests, saying young people who take to the streets over their grievances should not automatically be labelled anti national.
Speaking at a youth conference in Mumbai focused on the role of young people in promoting global unity, Bhagwat described Gen Z as the country’s next generation and emphasised the need for dialogue and a stronger sense of mutual trust.
Bhagwat said he would not argue that young people should refrain from protesting. However, he stressed that protests in a democracy should follow established methods and remain part of a broader process of dialogue.
He also praised younger generations for being more willing to question authority and seek logical explanations. Comparing them with his own generation, Bhagwat said young people today are less inclined to simply accept what they are told and are more prepared to ask questions.
His remarks come amid student protests in Delhi over alleged irregularities and paper leaks linked to a major undergraduate medical entrance examination. The demonstrations have drawn attention to concerns among students and job aspirants over the credibility and transparency of competitive examinations.
Bhagwat described protest as another form of dialogue that can emerge when people feel their concerns are not being resolved through conventional channels. He said when a problem remains unresolved despite attempts to address it, public protest can become a way for people to make their voices heard.
The RSS chief also acknowledged that shortcomings may have contributed to situations escalating and said such deficiencies should be identified and corrected.
India has a predominantly young population, with more than half of its citizens below the age of 35. Gen Z is also expected to become an increasingly influential electoral group ahead of the 2029 general election.
When asked about the reported use of pellet guns against protesting students, Bhagwat said he did not have enough information to comment conclusively. He said the circumstances and sequence of events would need to be examined before determining what went wrong.
Bhagwat’s remarks underline his view that engaging with young protesters through dialogue is essential, while recognising protest as a legitimate part of democratic expression.
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