Mohan Bhagwat Backs Gen Z Protests, Says Young People Are Not ‘Anti-National’

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has defended the right of young people to protest, saying Gen Z has genuine grievances and that raising their voice against issues does not make them “anti-national”.

Speaking at an event organised by the India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN) in Mumbai on Thursday, Bhagwat said protest is a legitimate form of democratic dialogue and should ultimately help build consensus rather than deepen divisions.

“If Gen Z members are agitating, they are not anti-national; they are our people. It is our next generation. You need a dialogue and rapport with them,” Bhagwat said while addressing around 2,000 members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

His remarks come against the backdrop of recent youth-led protests over concerns surrounding examination paper leaks and the education system. Bhagwat said the concerns being raised by young people are genuine and stressed that dialogue should always be the first response.

He argued that when people feel their concerns are not being heard, agitation can follow, but the objective should remain consensus-building. He also called for greater investment in education, advocating expenditure of 6 per cent of GDP on the sector.

Bhagwat's interaction marked a significant outreach to younger generations, with his comments touching on several issues ranging from education and employment to reservation and social questions.

On employment, the RSS chief said the definition of jobs needs to expand beyond government employment. He called for greater respect for entrepreneurship, skilled professions and manual work, saying society must restore the dignity of labour.

Discussing reservation, Bhagwat said affirmative action was introduced to address social discrimination and should continue as long as such discrimination exists. At the same time, he said beneficiaries who have progressed could voluntarily consider giving others an opportunity to benefit.

He also addressed questions concerning the LGBTQIA+ community and same-sex relationships, saying LGBTQIA+ people are an integral part of society. While opposing changes to the existing institution of marriage at present, he suggested that a separate legal framework could be considered for same-sex couples.

Bhagwat further said that during conflicts with countries such as Pakistan or China, citizens should stand behind the government and armed forces, but such conflicts should not permanently destroy existing people-to-people ties.

Reiterating the importance of dialogue, Bhagwat said India's approach should focus not on conquering or eliminating others but on building harmony through engagement and accommodation.