'Gen Z Are Our Own People, Not Anti-Nationals': RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Urges Dialogue With Young Protesters

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said members of Generation Z should not be labelled "anti-national" for raising their concerns, describing them as "our own people" and urging dialogue between institutions and young people. Speaking at the IIMUN 15th anniversary event in Mumbai, Bhagwat also reiterated support for increasing public spending on education to 6% of India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Addressing the conference, 'The Role of Youth in Uniting the World, the Indian Way', Bhagwat said young people deserved to be heard and their concerns should be addressed through engagement rather than confrontation.

'They Are Our Next Generation'

Responding to a question on whether Gen Z protesters are often branded anti-national despite raising issues they consider important, Bhagwat rejected the characterisation.

"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.

The RSS chief said he was not against protests but emphasised that dissent should be expressed through democratic means.

"I won't say that Gen Z should not protest, but in a democracy there are ways of going about it," he said.

Bhagwat stressed that meaningful dialogue could only happen when there was mutual trust between institutions and young people.

"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.

His remarks came days after student protests in Delhi that culminated in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

'Gen Z More Honest and Patriotic'

Bhagwat also rejected the perception that younger generations were less committed than their predecessors.

"Whenever I have been asked about them, I have said this, and I repeat it today. 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," he said.

He said the younger generation possessed a strong sense of national commitment and public service, contrary to common assumptions.

Calls for 6% of GDP to Be Spent on Education

During his address, Bhagwat expressed confidence that India would eventually achieve the long-pending target of allocating 6% of GDP to education.

"We support a 6% allocation of GDP for education. It will become a reality soon," he said.

The recommendation has been made repeatedly by national education commissions and is also reflected in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

At present, the Centre's expenditure on education is around ₹1.3 lakh crore, accounting for approximately 2.5-2.6% of the Union Budget. Combined expenditure by the Centre and states is estimated at around 4.1% of GDP.

Education Is an Investment, Not an Expense

Bhagwat said spending on education should be viewed as an investment in the country's future rather than a financial burden.

He called for an education system that remains accessible while promoting character, values and social responsibility alongside academic learning.

"Education should contribute to the making of responsible citizens," he said, adding that quality education was central to nation-building and long-term national development.