Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said that students protesting over issues such as examination irregularities should not be labelled “anti-national”, describing their grievances as genuine and calling protest a legitimate way of expressing concerns in a democracy.
Addressing more than 2,000 students at an event in Mumbai, Bhagwat said the younger generation deserves to be heard.
“If Gen Z is protesting, they’re not anti-national. They’re our own people. They’re our next generation,” Bhagwat said. “I won’t say that Gen Z should not protest, but in a democracy there are ways of going about it. Protest is a way of dialogue.”
‘Gen Z Wants Logical Answers’
Bhagwat said today’s youth are different from previous generations because they seek reasoned explanations instead of simply accepting authority.
“Gen Z and Gen Alpha want logical answers,” he said, adding that their concerns reflect shortcomings in the country’s education system.
Describing the younger generation as “more honest”, Bhagwat also said education should not be treated as a commercial business.
“Education is not a commercial business. It should be structured in such a way that it is available for all,” he said, adding that society should also contribute to improving education.
Remarks on Jantar Mantar Protest
Asked about allegations of police action, including lathi-charge and pellet firing on students during protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, Bhagwat said he did not have complete information but urged people not to jump to conclusions.
“We need to first understand what happened and why it happened. I do not have all the information required to give a complete opinion,” he said.
He added, “If I am asked to place my faith in someone, I would place my faith in Gen Z.”
Bhagwat also acknowledged that dialogue between students and the government had initially failed, which led many students to take to the streets.
Advice to Parents and Society
Earlier in the day, while speaking at another event on motherhood, Bhagwat urged parents to guide children through their own conduct rather than blaming the younger generation.
He said today’s youth respond to sincerity and honesty, view elders more as friends than authority figures, and families should encourage open communication instead of confrontation.
Bhagwat also reiterated that society must invest more in education and improve the quality of teaching, saying the concerns raised by students deserve serious attention rather than dismissal.
