Gen Z more honest than us, says RSS chief

Mumbai: In his interaction in Mumbai with Gen Z audience on Thursday, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, speaking on the recent students’ protest and protesters being called ‘anti-nationals’, said, “If Gen Z is protesting, they are not anti-nationals. They are our own people, our next generation…

“I do not believe Gen Z is like that… I think the new generation — the Gen Z and Gen Alpha — is more honest than our existing generation, and honest appeal of patriotism and service works with them.” “…In democracy, protest is also a method to have consensus. Lot of views come together and a consensus is evolved after discussion, that discussion may happen through dialogue. Due to various reasons, if that thing is not heard, agitation can be done. But this is to be done to evolve the consensus, not to create divisions.

“As far as Gen Z is concerned, what happened recently — their grievance is 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…

“As far as my experience about Gen Z goes, 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… In democracy, this is the method. Bhagwat said the LGBTQIA+ community is an integral part of society, but the institution of marriage should not be altered at present as it could lead to “unintended side-effects”, though there could be a separate legal framework for same-sex couples.