Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat said Thursday that Gen Z protesters are not anti-national during a large youth-led conference [1, 2].
The remarks signal a strategic effort by the RSS to engage with a younger generation that has frequently clashed with the organization's traditionalist views. By framing protesters as part of the national fabric, Bhagwat is attempting to bridge a growing ideological gap between the RSS and India's youth.
During the event, Bhagwat addressed the motivations behind youth activism and the need for dialogue. He said that Gen Z is "apne log (our people)" and that if they are protesting, their concerns should be addressed [1, 2].
In an effort to connect with the audience through familiar language, Bhagwat used the Gen Z slang phrase "clock it" during his address [1, 2]. The use of the term, which typically means to notice or realize something, went viral across social media platforms following the conference [1].
Bhagwat's outreach focused on the idea that dissent does not equate to a lack of patriotism. He said that the grievances of the youth should be met with attention rather than dismissal [2].
The conference was described as one of the world's largest youth-led gatherings, providing a platform for the RSS chief to speak directly to students and young activists [1, 2].
“The Gen Z is 'apne log (our people)' and if they are protesting its concerns should be addressed.”
This shift in rhetoric suggests the RSS is recognizing the necessity of cultural adaptability to maintain influence among younger demographics. By adopting contemporary slang and validating the act of protesting, the organization is attempting to pivot away from a purely confrontational stance toward youth dissent, potentially seeking to co-opt Gen Z energy into its broader nationalist framework.
