Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday emphasised the importance of understanding the younger generation through dialogue, saying today’s youth are thoughtful, inquisitive and deserve meaningful conversations instead of instructions. His remarks come as student protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak continue to dominate the national discourse.
Speaking at the Vishwa Mangalya Sabha programme, Bhagwat said changing times have transformed the way young people think and interact, making it necessary for elders to build trust through communication rather than authority.
‘Young People Need Discussion, Not Orders’
Bhagwat observed that earlier generations were accustomed to following instructions without questioning them, but today’s youth expect explanations and actively seek answers.
He said families and society must invest more time in engaging with young people, listening to their concerns and providing guidance with empathy. According to him, affection, patience and continuous interaction are essential to strengthening relationships between generations.
Emphasising the need for mutual understanding, Bhagwat remarked that lasting trust cannot be built through commands. Instead, he said, discussions and consensus should replace dictation and rigid instructions while dealing with the younger generation.
Remarks Come Amid Nationwide Student Agitation
Although Bhagwat did not directly mention the ongoing protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, his comments come at a time when demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have expanded beyond Delhi to several states.
The movement continues to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while the Centre has maintained that it will not remove the minister despite announcing legal and institutional reforms to tackle examination malpractices.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already announced that the government will introduce legislation providing stricter punishment for paper leak offences, including stronger legal provisions and fast-track judicial proceedings.
Debate Over RSS Response Intensifies
Bhagwat’s remarks also follow criticism from senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, who recently questioned the RSS chief’s silence on the student protests, urging him to speak more directly about developments surrounding the agitation.
Separately, senior RSS leader Indresh Kumar alleged that forces operating both within India and abroad were attempting to exploit the protests to weaken the country, claiming the agitation was being used to obstruct India’s progress in education and development.
Government-CJP Talks Continue
Meanwhile, negotiations between the Centre and the CJP remain ongoing. Two rounds of discussions have already taken place, with the government seeking additional time before responding to the protesters’ demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
Attention is now focused on the next round of talks, which could determine whether dialogue progresses further or whether the nationwide protests continue to intensify.
