Mohan Bhagwat Calls for Dialogue With Youth, Says Today’s Generation Seeks Logic Rather Than Orders
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has called for a fundamental change in how parents, educators and society engage with young people, saying today’s generation expects dialogue, reasoning and mutual respect instead of unquestioning obedience. His remarks come at a time when India has witnessed widespread student-led protests over examination irregularities, placing youth aspirations and generational change at the centre of national debate.
Addressing the valedictory session of a two-day national meeting on “Contemporary Motherhood” organised by the Vishwa Mangalya Sabha in New Delhi, Bhagwat observed that social attitudes must evolve with changing times. He said that while earlier generations were accustomed to following instructions without question, young people today seek explanations and logical reasoning before accepting decisions.
“The new generation asks questions,” Bhagwat said, adding that parents and elders have a responsibility to explain the reasoning behind their decisions rather than expecting automatic compliance. He argued that winning the confidence of young people requires affection, communication and patience, not authority alone.
Emphasising the importance of meaningful engagement, the RSS chief remarked that society should move from a culture of “dictation” to one of “discussion.” He further said relationships should be built on consensus rather than commands, stressing that young people need a sense of belonging and opportunities to express their views openly.
Bhagwat also highlighted the role of parents in shaping children’s values, stating that children learn more from observing the behaviour of adults than from listening to lectures. According to him, values such as honesty, discipline and compassion are absorbed through daily example rather than verbal instruction. He urged families to spend more time together and reduce the communication gap that has widened in many households.
Speaking about emotional development, Bhagwat argued that intelligence alone does not determine success. He said emotional resilience and the ability to cope with setbacks are equally important, encouraging parents to support children with empathy instead of criticism when they face failure.
The timing of Bhagwat’s remarks has drawn significant political attention because they came amid continuing nationwide student protests over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and demands for greater accountability in the education system. Although he did not directly mention the protests or comment on the ongoing agitation, several political observers noted that his emphasis on listening to youth resonated with the broader national conversation surrounding student concerns.
Bhagwat also rejected the idea that India’s youth are misguided or directionless. Instead, he said the younger generation is prepared to make sacrifices for the nation but often lacks inspiring role models. He urged elders to become examples worthy of emulation, arguing that trust is earned through conduct rather than authority.
His address has sparked discussion across political and educational circles about changing generational expectations, the role of family dialogue and the importance of participatory leadership. Whether interpreted as a broader social message or viewed in the context of the current political climate, Bhagwat’s remarks underline a growing recognition that India’s increasingly vocal youth expect transparency, logical engagement and meaningful participation in decisions that affect their future.
