'Gen Z is Not Anti-National': RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Backs Student Protests

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday defended student protesters demanding accountability over the NEET paper leak, saying India's Gen Z should not be labelled "anti-national" and that their grievances deserve to be heard through dialogue.

Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Bhagwat said the country's youth are "our own people" and the next generation, stressing that engagement, not alienation, should define the response to their protests.

He also acknowledged that the concerns driving the protests were legitimate.

"Whatever has happened, the grievance is genuine. There is a lot that needs to be done in Indian education. Since it is not happening, it is being talked about," he said.

Bhagwat described protest as a legitimate democratic expression when other avenues fail to resolve public concerns.

"Protest is also a form of dialogue," he said. "If things are understood through discussion, that's good. Otherwise, there will be debate. If a problem isn't being resolved despite being within someone's power to do so, then people will raise their voice."

Reflecting on generational differences, Bhagwat said today's youth are far more willing to question authority than previous generations.

"When we were their age, we generally accepted what elders said without questioning. Gen Z and Gen Alpha ask questions. They want logical answers," he said.

He went a step further, calling the younger generation more forthright than their predecessors.

"I feel Gen Z and Gen Alpha are more honest than our existing generation. An honest appeal for patriotism and service works with them," he said.

Bhagwat also suggested that the escalation of the protests pointed to shortcomings that needed to be addressed.

"When something that should not happen does happen, there has been a deficiency somewhere. It should be corrected," he said.

At the same time, he emphasised that democratic protest must remain within constitutional norms.

"I won't say Gen Z should not protest, but there are methods for how protest should be conducted in a democracy," he said, adding that the Constitution and the speeches of Dr B.R. Ambedkar offer guidance on democratic engagement.

Bhagwat said the objective of any agitation should be reforming institutions rather than targeting individuals.

"Gen Z is raising its voice because it has issues. Those issues should be rectified. Agitation should not be against me or you, but for system correction," he said.

Asked about allegations of lathi-charge and pellet gun use against student protesters, Bhagwat declined to comment, saying he did not have sufficient information to make a judgment.

(With inputs from ANI)