Mumbai: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to interact with more than 2,000 students aged between 15 and 19 years in Mumbai on Thursday evening. The event will be held at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) as part of the 15th anniversary celebrations of the International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN).

The programme is expected to focus on dialogue with young people, leadership, education and the role of youth in shaping the country's future.

Students to Engage Directly with Bhagwat

The session has been designed as an interactive conversation, allowing students from the Gen Z and Gen Alpha age groups to engage with the RSS chief on issues concerning society, education and national development.

Organisers describe the event as a platform aimed at encouraging discussion rather than one-way communication between public figures and young participants.

Several Prominent Personalities Expected

Apart from Mohan Bhagwat, the event is expected to feature several distinguished personalities from public life, including:

• Congress MP Shashi Tharoor

• Veteran actor Shabana Azmi

• Actor Boman Irani

• Former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud

The gathering is expected to bring together voices from politics, law, cinema and civil society.

Debate Over Shashi Tharoor's Participation

Shashi Tharoor's participation in the programme sparked political discussion after questions were raised over his presence at an event where the RSS chief is the principal speaker.

Responding to the criticism, Tharoor clarified that the programme is not organised by the RSS, but by IIMUN, an independent student-led platform that regularly invites speakers from diverse backgrounds to interact with students.

Bhagwat Earlier Advocated Dialogue with Youth

The upcoming interaction comes weeks after Bhagwat stressed the importance of engaging with younger generations through conversation rather than authority.

During a public address in Delhi in July, he said today's youth ask questions and expect meaningful discussions. He suggested that elders should communicate with them through dialogue instead of merely issuing instructions.

His remarks drew attention as they came during a period when student protests over examination-related issues were taking place in different parts of the country.

Focus on Youth Engagement

The programme is being viewed as an important outreach initiative aimed at understanding the aspirations, concerns and expectations of India's younger generation.

With students expected to interact directly with speakers from different fields, the event seeks to promote discussion on leadership, education, public life and civic participation.