"Gen Z are our own people; ... next generation. A sense of belonging and mutual respect is needed for dialogue," says RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

 "I want to make it clear that if Gen Z engages in any agitation, they are not anti-national. 

They are our own people; they are our next generation. A sense of belonging and mutual respect is needed for dialogue to take place. We need to recognise and respect each other. 

Only then can a meaningful dialogue happen, where we understand their concerns and they understand our perspective," RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said.  

Addressing around 2,000 Gen Z and Gen Alpha members at the 15th anniversary celebrations of India's International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN) in Mumbai, Bhagwat said the younger generation deserved to be heard through dialogue rather than judged for questioning authority.  

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief strongly backed India's younger generation, saying he would "trust Gen Z blindly" and asserted that students taking part in protests should not be labelled anti-national. 

Answering questions, he said “It (social media) should be used properly. The answer is in your question itself. 

Rules should be made. Discipline should be created. That is fine, but it becomes successful only when the attitude changes." Giving an example, he said - "On social media, who am I? 

If ten lakh people follow what I do, then it becomes my responsibility to ensure that those ten lakh people do not fall into a pit by following me. 

At least I should have that much awareness. That is wisdom". 

Describing today's youth as more honest than previous generations, he added, "I believe today's younger generation, Gen Z and Gen Alpha, is more honest than the existing generation. This generation should have honesty towards the nation, a spirit of patriotism, and a commitment to service."

Bhagwat reiterated his faith in young people even while acknowledging that he did not know the complete facts behind the recent confrontation between police and protesters.