Gen Z protests not anti national: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat

STC NEWS MONITORING DESK
MUMBAI, AUGUST 07 (STC): The country’s youth deserve dialogue, as they are the next generation, said RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. He called Gen Z protests not anti national.
“I’m saying, if Gen Z is protesting, they’re not anti-national. They’re our own people. They’re our next generation. With this sense of belonging, along with dialogue, I said a sense of belonging is needed. A relationship is needed. That is our relationship. Its recognition is needed,” Mohan Bhagwat said while addressing an event in Mumbai.
He validated the grievances relayed by the protestors. “Whatever has happened, the grievance is genuine. There is a lot that needs to be done in Indian education; since it’s not happening, it’s being talked about.”
He framed the protest itself as a legitimate democratic tool when other channels fail.
“Protest is also a form of dialogue. We are sitting here and talking; if things are understood this way, it’s fine. Otherwise, there will be a debate between us. If you are in some difficulty, or I am in some difficulty, and it is in your hands or my hands to resolve it, and it’s not happening, then I will shout,” he said.
Bhagwat contrasted today’s youth with his own generation, saying the shift toward questioning authority is a different way of engaging with the world.
When we were at the age of Gen Z, the nature of our generation was such that we would accept what the elders said. We wouldn’t question. Now Gen Z and Gen Alpha ask questions; they want logical answers,” he said.
Bhagwat said, “I feel this new generation, Gen Z, Gen Alpha, they are more honest than our existing generation,” he said, adding that “an honest appeal for patriotism and service works in them.”

Asked whether earlier dialogue could have prevented the situation from escalating, Bhagwat said, “When something that shouldn’t happen does happen, then there must be a mistake somewhere; that’s why it happens. Whose it is, what it is, that’s a different matter. But there has been a deficiency. It will be fixed, it should be done, that’s what I believe,” he said.
RSS chief said Gen Z is raising its voice because they have some issues. “And that should be rectified. Agitation should not be against me or you, but for system correction.”

(Straight Talk Communications I Inputs from Agencies)