Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has urged greater engagement with India's younger generation, saying members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha should not be labelled "anti-national" for expressing their concerns. Addressing a youth interaction in Mumbai, Bhagwat said dialogue, trust and understanding were essential to bridge the gap between institutions and young people.

Speaking at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) on Thursday, the RSS chief described the country's youth as patriotic and honest, stressing that they represent India's future and deserve to be heard rather than alienated.

'They Are Our Own People'

Responding to a question on youth-led protests, Bhagwat rejected the notion that the younger generation should be viewed with suspicion.

"Anti-national to hai nahin, apne log hain. Apni next generation hai (They are not anti-national. They are our own people. They are our next generation)," he said.

He emphasised that disagreements should be resolved through communication instead of confrontation, arguing that sustained interaction helps both sides understand each other's concerns.

Dialogue Over Confrontation

Bhagwat said meaningful relationships between institutions and young citizens must precede constructive dialogue.

"I have spoken about dialogue before. There has to be a relationship first. When that relationship exists, there is dialogue. We understand their concerns and they understand ours. That is what should happen," he said.

According to him, engaging with young people is more productive than branding them or dismissing their views, particularly at a time when the country is witnessing increased participation by youth in public debates.

Gen Z More Honest, Patriotic: Bhagwat

The RSS chief also challenged the perception that younger generations are less responsible than their predecessors.

He said Gen Z and Gen Alpha possess a stronger sense of honesty, patriotism and public service.

"I believe this new generation — Gen Z and Gen Alpha — is more honest than our existing generation. It has a stronger feeling of patriotism and service," Bhagwat said.

His remarks highlighted the need to recognise the aspirations of young Indians instead of questioning their commitment to the nation.

Cautions Against Social Media Misinformation

Bhagwat also spoke about the growing influence of social media, saying regulation alone cannot solve the challenges posed by digital platforms.

He said laws become effective only when society voluntarily accepts and follows them, adding that users should exercise self-discipline while consuming and sharing online content.

Warning about the spread of misinformation, Bhagwat noted that artificial intelligence and modern technology now make it possible to create convincing fake videos and attribute false statements to public figures.

He advised people not to trust content without verification from authentic sources and said self-regulation was essential to prevent misinformation from spreading.

According to Bhagwat, outright bans often push content into illegal channels rather than resolving the underlying problem.

Remarks Come Amid Student Protests

Bhagwat's comments come against the backdrop of nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, which later expanded into a broader movement demanding reforms in India's examination system and greater accountability in education governance.

The protests eventually intensified political pressure, leading to the resignation of the then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

While Bhagwat did not directly comment on the ongoing controversy, his appeal for dialogue with young protesters was seen as a call for greater engagement between policymakers and the country's youth.