RSS chief backs Gen Z's 'genuine' grievances, calls protest a dialogue

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said that the grievances of Gen Z are genuine and that protest is a way of dialogue in a democracy. He was speaking at a youth conference organised by the Indian International Model United Nations (IIMUN) in Mumbai, where he interacted with participants from Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

The RSS chief said that in a democracy, protest is a method of reaching consensus. He acknowledged that the recent expressions of discontent by young people reflect real concerns. "As far as Gen Z is concerned and what happened recently, their grievance is genuine. Today's generation wants logical answers," he said.

Mr. Bhagwat also praised the younger generation for its honesty. "Gen Z is more honest than our generation," he stated. He emphasised that the framework for addressing these issues is already enshrined in the Constitution. "But the methods have been laid out in the Constitution by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. We have to see that if Gen Z is shouting, they are doing so due to their problems. We need to resolve the issues they face," he added.

The event, organised by IIMUN, aimed to provide a platform for young Indians to engage with leaders on issues that matter to them. The conference brought together university and school students from across the country. Mr. Bhagwat's participation signals a continued outreach by the RSS to younger demographics, a section that has often been seen as questioning traditional institutions.

Political observers have noted that Mr. Bhagwat's remarks come at a time when young Indians are increasingly vocal about matters such as employment, education, and social equity. The RSS chief's willingness to describe their grievances as "genuine" may be seen as an attempt to bring the organisation closer to the concerns of the youth. However, he also reminded the audience that constitutional methods must be adopted to address these concerns.

His comments on protest as a form of dialogue align with democratic principles, underscoring the right to dissent within the bounds of the Constitution. "Protest is a way of reaching consensus in a democracy," he said, reinforcing the idea that dissent and debate are integral to a healthy political system.

The youth conference also saw interactions on leadership, nation-building, and the role of youth in shaping the future. Mr. Bhagwat's engagement with the participants was seen as part of a broader effort by the RSS to connect with younger Indians and understand their perspectives.

The RSS chief's statements have generated interest across political circles, with many interpreting them as a positive step towards intergenerational dialogue. By acknowledging the legitimacy of Gen Z's concerns, he has opened a space for meaningful conversations on the issues that matter to the nation's youth.

This development reflects a growing recognition among leaders that young Indians are not merely the citizens of tomorrow but active stakeholders in the country's present. As Mr. Bhagwat put it, the need is to resolve the issues they face, and the methods are provided by the Constitution.