RSS chief says youth protests are not anti-national

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat told an audience of young students on Thursday that protest is a legitimate form of democratic dialogue and that young protesters should not be labeled as anti-national. Speaking to approximately 2,000 members of Generation Z and Generation Alpha at an event in Mumbai, Bhagwat validated the grievances driving recent nationwide student demonstrations over alleged mismanagement of competitive examinations.

The RSS chief, whose organization is widely regarded as the ideological parent of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, stated that if the younger generation is agitating, they are not anti-nationals. He described them as "our own people" and "our next generation." Bhagwat acknowledged that the concerns being raised about India's education system are genuine and reflect shortcomings that need to be addressed. He contrasted the current youth with previous generations, noting that Gen Z and Gen Alpha seek logical answers and engage more critically with authority.

Bhagwat's remarks are seen as a significant outreach effort following major student protests that culminated in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan...