RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Backs Gen Z Protests, Says Youth Are ‘Not Anti-National’; Calls Democratic Dissent a Path to Consensus
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has made a significant intervention in the ongoing national debate over youth-led protests, asserting that Generation Z should not be branded as “anti-national” for raising concerns about issues affecting their future. Speaking at a public event in Mumbai on Wednesday, Bhagwat said the grievances expressed by young people are genuine and deserve a constructive response rather than condemnation. His remarks come amid widespread student protests over the NEET examination controversy and broader concerns relating to education, employment and governance.
Addressing the growing unrest among students, Bhagwat emphasized that protest is an essential feature of a healthy democracy. According to him, democratic societies function through dialogue and disagreement, and protests should ultimately help build consensus instead of deepening divisions. He argued that listening to young voices is necessary for strengthening democratic institutions and improving public policy.
Rejecting attempts to portray protesting youth as being against the nation, Bhagwat said today’s Gen Z represents India’s future and should be viewed as patriotic citizens seeking accountability. He remarked that the younger generation should be engaged with trust and reason rather than suspicion, stressing that they are “our own people” whose concerns cannot simply be dismissed.
Bhagwat’s comments are particularly notable because they come against the backdrop of nationwide demonstrations triggered by allegations surrounding the NEET paper leak and demands for greater transparency in competitive examinations. Student organizations and youth groups have argued that repeated examination irregularities undermine merit and erode confidence in public institutions. The protests have evolved into a wider conversation on educational reforms, employment opportunities and governance.
The RSS chief maintained that every generation has its own way of expressing dissatisfaction, and the responsibility of society is to understand the reasons behind such protests instead of immediately questioning the intentions of those participating. He suggested that meaningful engagement with young citizens would help bridge differences and reinforce democratic values rather than create further polarization.
Bhagwat’s latest remarks also align with observations he has made in recent weeks about India’s changing youth culture. He has previously argued that today’s young people seek logical explanations instead of unquestioning obedience and respond better to dialogue than to directives. According to him, institutions, families and leaders must adapt to this changing mindset by fostering communication, trust and transparency.
Political observers view the statement as an important acknowledgment of the growing influence of India’s Gen Z, which has emerged as a powerful force in public discourse through coordinated online and offline campaigns. With millions of first-time and young voters expected to shape future elections, concerns relating to education, examinations, employment and institutional accountability have become increasingly prominent in national politics.
The remarks have generated widespread discussion across political and social circles, with supporters describing them as a call for constructive democratic engagement while others see them as recognition of the changing relationship between India’s youth and its institutions. Regardless of political interpretation, Bhagwat’s message underscores that democratic protest, when peaceful and issue-based, should be viewed as an opportunity for dialogue and reform rather than as evidence of anti-national sentiment.
