'Gen Z is not anti-national, they are our own people'; RSS chief defends student protest 

MUMBAI: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has backed students who protested near the Prime Minister's residence over the alleged NEET question paper leak, saying young people should not be branded as anti-national for taking part in protests. Speaking at a youth conference in Mumbai on the theme "The Role of Youth in Uniting the World: The Indian Way," Bhagwat said the younger generation should be engaged through dialogue and not viewed with suspicion.

His remarks come in the backdrop of the student protest held at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on July 20, where demonstrators demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak. Police had used batons and tear gas to disperse the protesters during the march.

"Gen Z is not anti-national. They are our own people and the next generation. We need to have open discussions with them and recognise them as our own," Bhagwat said.

He said today's youth are more questioning than previous generations and deserve reasoned answers.

"Gen Z and Gen Alpha are more honest than our generation. They are sincere when they speak about patriotism and service. Protest is another form of dialogue. During our younger days, we accepted what our elders told us without questioning it. But today's Gen Z and Gen Alpha ask questions and expect answers. They want logical and convincing responses," he said.

Bhagwat also described protests as a democratic means of expressing dissent, saying people turn to demonstrations when other avenues are closed.

When asked about the use of pellet guns, Bhagwat said he did not have sufficient information on the issue and would comment only after examining the facts.

Political observers see Bhagwat's remarks as a message of support to Gen Z, a demographic expected to play a significant role in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.