Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has voiced strong support for India's younger generation, stating he would "trust Gen Z blindly." He affirmed that students possess a democratic right to protest if their aim is to improve the existing system.
Speaking at a recent event, Bhagwat underscored his unwavering confidence in the intentions and aspirations of the nation's youth. While acknowledging he lacked complete information regarding recent clashes between protesters and police, his belief in young people remained steadfast.
Bhagwat characterized protest as a legitimate and vital component of democracy, emphasizing that open dialogue and discussion are crucial for resolving grievances, particularly within the education sector. He noted, "Democracy is a way to make consensus after discussion. Grievance is genuine, and a lot has to be improved in our nation's education system. So dialogue is important."
Youth's Right to Question Authority
Drawing a generational contrast, Bhagwat observed that today's youth are far more inclined to question authority than previous generations. He explained that Gen Z and Gen Alpha seek logical answers, often with an approach rooted in empathy and understanding.
He explicitly stated he would never discourage young people from protesting, provided democratic channels are available for them to express their concerns. Bhagwat stressed that when youth raise their voices, it should be viewed as an effort towards improvement rather than mere opposition, acknowledging that shortcomings within the system necessitate correction.
Empathy and Education Reform
Bhagwat also issued a caution against prematurely branding protesting students as anti-national. He called for a compassionate and understanding approach towards the younger generation, describing them as "the most honest generation" who "should be heard and felt heard."
While aware of reports concerning the use of tear gas and pellet guns during protests, Bhagwat refrained from drawing conclusions due to unverified information. He reiterated his general trust in Gen Z, though he also mentioned unconfirmed reports of "anti-social modules" within movements.
Shifting focus to education, the RSS chief asserted that the sector should not be treated as a commercial enterprise. He advocated for greater community participation in enhancing schools and improving learning outcomes, highlighting that the financial burden of education is substantial and requires collective vigilance and regular assessment.
Bhagwat reiterated his support for the long-standing demand to allocate 6% of the national budget to education. He emphasized that improving the education system is not solely the government's responsibility but a collective social effort requiring an awakening of social spirit.
Concluding his remarks, Bhagwat reaffirmed his belief in democratic dissent, stating that a protest does not automatically become anti-national simply because people take to the streets. He expressed confidence that younger generations genuinely aspire to contribute positively to the country's future.