RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that young people participating in protests should not be branded as "anti-national", stressing that Generation Z's concerns deserve to be heard through dialogue rather than dismissed.
Addressing one of the world's largest youth-led conferences, Bhagwat described Gen Z as "our own people" and said their grievances should be addressed with empathy and engagement. He emphasised that protest is a legitimate part of democracy and an important means of communication rather than a sign of disloyalty.
"If the Gen Z is agitating, they certainly aren't anti-nationals; they are our own people, our next generation," Bhagwat said, adding that society should respond with a sense of belonging and meaningful dialogue.
The RSS chief also described Gen Z and Gen Alpha as more honest and straightforward in expressing their views than older generations. He said young people raise issues because they genuinely care about the country's future and that their concerns should be answered with logic and understanding rather than being dismissed.
Referring to recent youth-led demonstrations, Bhagwat said protest is a legitimate form of democratic dialogue that should help build consensus rather than deepen divisions. He added that grievances related to issues such as education and governance should be addressed through constructive engagement.
His remarks come amid recent Gen Z-led protests across the country over education and employment-related issues, with youth voices gaining significant attention in the national political discourse.
