‘Protests Are a Way of Building Consensus in Democracy’: Mohan Bhagwat Interacts With Gen Z, Lauds Their Honesty

Mumbai: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday engaged with Gen Z and Gen Alpha at a youth conference in Mumbai, describing protests as a legitimate democratic method of building consensus while praising the honesty and questioning spirit of the younger generations.

“In a democracy, protests are also a way of building consensus. Lot of views come together, and consensus is evolved after discussions. That discussion may happen through dialogue. However, due to various reasons, if a concern is not heard, one may move towards agitation. But all these steps should be taken to evolve a consensus, not to create divisions,” Bhagwat said.

He emphasised that agitation should aim at correcting systems rather than targeting individuals. “I will not say that Gen Z should not protest or agitate. But how to do it, what to do in a democracy—methods for that have also been outlined. If we read a couple of speeches by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, who gave us our Constitution, there are clear indications on how and what to do. That should be looked into.”

Referring to recent student protests, Bhagwat said their grievances were genuine. “A lot needs to be done in India’s education system, and it is not being done; so, this is being raised. So, indeed there should be dialogue.” He stressed that Gen Z is not shouting out of opposition but out of affection and a desire to set things right.

The RSS chief also advocated for affordable education: "There are many aspects of education that need to be addressed. I would like to highlight a few points. The first is that education is not a commercial business; it is a necessity of life. Therefore, the education system should be structured in a way that makes it accessible and affordable for everyone. This requires a lot of thought and discussion, including issues related to fees and other aspects."

Bhagwat rejected any labelling of the protesters as anti-national. “If Gen Z is protesting, they are not anti-nationals. They are our own people, our next generation… Along with dialogue, there needs to be a sense of belongingness.”

Drawing a contrast with his own generation, he noted: “When we were their age, we were habitual of accepting whatever the elders said, we never questioned them. Now, Gen Z and Gen Alpha questions, they want logical answers and love.” He described the process as akin to the traditional ‘shastrarth’, where multiple perspectives together reveal a fuller view of the truth.

Bhagwat also lauded the younger generation’s character, saying he finds Gen Z and Gen Alpha “more honest than our existing generation,” and that appeals rooted in patriotism and service resonate strongly with them.

On police action during the protests, he declined to comment in detail, stating he lacked complete information and that the root causes needed careful examination. When asked whether earlier dialogue could have prevented escalation, he acknowledged a lapse somewhere: “When something happens that shouldn’t happen, it means there was a shortcoming. It will be corrected; it should be corrected.”

Bhagwat’s remarks framed protest and debate as constructive tools within democracy, while urging understanding, dialogue and a sense of shared belonging with the next generation.