Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), on Thursday raised his voice in support of India’s youngsters, asserting that Gen-Z should not be branded as ‘anti-national,’ merely because they choose to protest. His remarks came during his address to the world’s largest youth-led conferences, where he added that the concerns raised by the youth deserve to be heard and addressed through democratic means.

Bhagwat (75) was addressing the conference titled, 'The Role of Youth in Uniting the World, the Indian Way', where he termed Gen-Z ‘our own people’ and the country’s future, underlining that dissent should not be mistaken for disloyalty.

He remarked, “If Gen-Z is agitating, they certainly aren't anti-nationals; they are our own people, our next generation.”

“Democracy allows protest”: Bhagwat

Bhagwat acknowledged the significance of public demonstrations, maintaining that democratic societies provide established ways for citizens to express their grievances. He opined, “I won't say that Gen Z should not protest, but in a democracy there are ways of going about it.” Further in his address, he lauded the young generation for its integrity and commitment to national causes, signalling that today’s youth display qualities that inspire confidence.

He went on to say, “I feel that the new generation; Gen Z and Gen Alpha, is more honest than our current generation, and they genuinely respond to appeals regarding patriotism and service.” Elevating his endorsement, the RSS chief further said that if asked to place blind trust in any generation, he would choose Gen Z.

Bhagwat’s remarks follow student protest movement

Bhagwat’s comments are being viewed as significant ones, as they come against the backdrop of widespread student demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in central Delhi over NEET UG 2026 paper leak and other exam irregularities. The protests eventually culminated in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. During one of the demonstrations at the national capital’s Jantar Mantar on July 20, protestors trying to march towards the Parliament on foot were met with police action, including lathi charges and the use of tear gas. As per several reports, some of the demonstrators were also hit with pellet guns.

The protests also kicked up a political row, as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, expressed solidarity with the students. Addressing the Parliament, he said he understood the frustration felt by India's youth over the condition of the country's education system.

He said, "This was not anger... this was not hatred; this was the deep expression of the youth of this country, of the future generation of this country. I feel that all political parties must respect this expression".