Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), said Thursday that Gen Z students' grievances are genuine and their protests are legitimate [1].
The statement marks a significant stance from the leadership of the right-wing organization, as it validates youth unrest regarding the Indian education system. By framing protests as a form of communication rather than dissent, Bhagwat is positioning the RSS as a bridge between the state and a frustrated younger generation.
Speaking in Mumbai, Bhagwat addressed the ongoing unrest involving students who have protested against alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and other systemic failures [1], [4]. He said the notion that these demonstrations are driven by foreign influence or a lack of patriotism is rejected.
"If Gen Z is protesting, they're not anti-national," Bhagwat said [4]. "They're our own people. They're our next generation" [4].
Bhagwat characterized the act of protesting as a tool for engagement rather than an act of rebellion. He said that protest is a way of dialogue [1]. This perspective suggests that the current wave of student activism is a signal that the existing educational infrastructure requires correction.
He expressed a high level of confidence in the intentions of the youth, stating, "I will trust Gen Z blindly" [3]. This trust, he said, should translate into an openness to hear their demands and implement necessary reforms to the education system [3].
The RSS chief said that the demand for system correction is a reflection of the genuine struggles students face in their pursuit of academic and professional stability [2]. He urged for a dialogue that acknowledges these grievances to prevent further alienation of the youth.
“"If Gen Z is protesting, they're not anti-national. They're our own people."”
This shift in rhetoric from the RSS chief suggests a strategic effort to maintain influence over India's youth amid rising frustration with meritocracy and exam integrity. By legitimizing student protests, the RSS is attempting to preempt the narrative that youth unrest is inherently anti-government, instead framing it as a necessary catalyst for administrative reform within the education sector.
