RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat: Gen Z is highly emotional, easily drawn to 'visibly authentic' causes

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday (July 26) said that Gen Z is highly emotional and often reacts without sufficient deliberation. He said the younger generation is easily drawn to things that appear "visibly authentic", which, in turn, shapes its response to and acceptance of social movements.

Speaking at an event organised by the Vishwa Mangalya Sabha, Bhagwat said today's youth are deeply influenced by trends and respond strongly to issues that appear "visibly authentic."

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His remarks come days after the nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, which saw large-scale participation by students across the country. Several political leaders and commentators have widely described the agitation as a significant show of Gen Z's ability to mobilise and influence public discourse, particularly following the demonstrations at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

‘Marriage instils dharma’

During the event, he also spoke about marriage, saying it is a discipline that instils dharma, while strongly coming down on live-in relationships and pointing out its consequences that can be seen across the world.

"Marriage is a discipline which instils dharma. Its alternative is live-in relationship. Modernity. What are its consequences? We don't want responsibilities but happiness. Stay together when it is wanted and part ways when not wanted. No responsibilities. What will grow with it? What is growing, look around the world," he said.

‘Modernity is welcome’

He, however, said modernity is also needed and changing with times is also a rule in the country's traditions.

Also read: NEET protests: 'Gen Z far more disruptive, creative than any generation before

In an apparent reference to live-in relationships, he said it is "degradation and blind imitation of Western culture", while modernity is welcome.

He also said LGBTQ is a part of our society and that they should not be looked down upon.

Calls for mobile discipline

Bhagwat favoured following mobile phone discipline by parents and stressed the importance of conversation among family members to answer the questions of new generation children and to address various family-related issues.

Addressing parents' concerns about the new generation's lifestyle, including excessive mobile phone use, he said that elders must embody the values they want to see in the new generation.

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"Be the change you want to see in society. Reduce your time on social media. Follow mobile discipline. We look to the government. In our tradition, the government is second; society is first. (We say) the government should make this law or that law... we can do that at our home," he said.

"We tell children about mobile discipline, but we are attached to mobiles. So much so that a mother gives a mobile to a child if the child is crying," Bhagwat said.

He also said British rule made the country believe that everything ancient was worthless. Western countries are facing problems due to an incomplete vision of various issues that we also adopted, he said.

(With agency inputs)