RSS Chief backs youth dissent

metro india news  I hyderabad

On Saturday, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat backed the right of India’s Gen Z to protest and dissent, saying public movements are legitimate as long as they keep the larger interests of the country in mind. His remarks came alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s outreach to the younger generation in his Independence Day speech. Speaking at the RSS Mahal office in Nagpur, Bhagwat said people could hold different opinions and interpretations but must retain a shared commitment to the nation.

His comments come amid growing tensions between governments and sections of young people over student-related issues, including the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led protests at Jantar Mantar. Bhagwat reiterated the RSS position that agitating Gen Z protesters should not be viewed as anti-national, contrasting with claims by some BJP members that “foreign forces” were backing the protests.

Invoking the Ashoka Chakra, Bhagwat said its spokes move in different directions while originating from the same centre. Similarly, India’s diversity of languages, castes, communities and viewpoints should not become a source of conflict. He said opposing viewpoints are integral to democracy.

Bhagwat also urged the youth to take the lead in building India, embrace entrepreneurship and preserve national unity. He said India should not mechanically compare its development with countries such as the US, China, Australia or New Zealand, arguing that its model must reflect its own population, geography, culture and aspirations. He said India’s demographic dividend could encourage young people to think not only about their own future but also that of future generations. He also called for greater willingness among youngsters to take risks and turn challenges into opportunities.

Referring to India’s freedom struggle, Bhagwat said Independence was achieved through decades of sacrifice and that preserving freedom was now a collective responsibility. He said India must overcome forces obstructing its journey towards becoming a “Vishwaguru” and contribute to restoring balance in a world focused excessively on material progress. Bhagwat also invoked freedom fighter V.D. Savarkar, saying Independence should bring dignity, greatness and happiness to the entire nation.