RSS Chief's Remarks on Gen Z Welcomed by Saints in Ayodhya
Support for RSS Chief's Comments
On August 7 in Ayodhya, numerous saints expressed their approval of RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent comments aimed at connecting with Gen Z and youth. Bhagwat openly endorsed the concerns of Gen Z, stating that their grievances are valid and that he trusts their sincerity. He also emphasized that young people engaging in protests do not equate to being 'anti-national,' asserting that movements are a form of dialogue in a democracy.
Concerns Over Protests
Mahant Shashikant Das, president of the Saryu Nitya Aarti, acknowledged that Bhagwat's statement was partially accurate, noting that movements arise when people's concerns are overlooked. However, he insisted that protests must remain peaceful and any anti-national activities during demonstrations should be condemned. He further alleged that sometimes, anti-social elements infiltrate protests with political backing.
Call for Action Against Troublemakers
Kalki Ram, president of the Ramdas Trust, claimed that such scenes are the result of international conspiracies. He alleged that disruptive elements participated in protests under the guise of student representation and urged the government to take strict action against them.
Youth as the Future
Dr. Deveshacharya, the chief priest of Hanumangarhi, fully supported Bhagwat's remarks, stating that the youth represent the future of the nation. He lamented the lack of dialogue with young people, suggesting that the government should engage directly with them on issues related to education and employment. He believed that communication could alleviate youth anger and redirect their energy towards nation-building.
Student Support for Bhagwat's Statement
Ankur Sonkar, a 12th-grade student who participated in a protest in Fatehpur over basic amenities like drinking water and toilets, echoed Bhagwat's sentiments. He stated, "I agree with Mohan Bhagwat, but the government must also pay attention and listen to the children's demands. Violence against students involved in protests in Delhi should not happen again."
Political Reactions
Abhijat Mishra, the state BJP general secretary, remarked that the RSS has always adhered to the principle of putting the nation first, and Gen Z will benefit from Bhagwat's guidance. He noted that Bhagwat's message was intended for everyone. However, opposition parties reacted differently to Bhagwat's comments. Rajendra Pal Gautam, in charge of the state Congress, stated that the RSS has realized that Gen Z cannot be sidelined or silenced. He criticized the RSS's late attempt to reach out to Gen Z, accusing them of imposing their ideology on universities. Meanwhile, SP MP Virendra Singh from Chandauli remarked that the RSS has begun to operate like a political party.
Context of Bhagwat's Remarks
It is noteworthy that Bhagwat made these comments during an event in Mumbai, where he interacted with around 2,000 members of Gen Z (typically born between 1997 and 2012) and 'Gen Alpha' (born between 2013 and 2025).