"His talk was inspirational": PT Usha hails Mohan Bhagwat's talk with Gen Z
Mumbai, August 6
Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha on Thursday praised RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's address at India's International Movement to Unite Nations event, describing it as inspirational.
She said Bhagwat's interaction was impressive and appreciated the thoughtful responses he gave during the session.
"His talk was inspirational, and it was an amazing one. He gave very good answers," Usha told ANI.
Bhagwat said that the grievances of the student protesters are genuine and pushed back against any efforts to brand young protesters as 'anti-national', stating that the country's youth deserve dialogue, as they are the next generation.
Addressing an event in Mumbai, Mohan Bhagwat said, "I'm saying, if Gen Z is protesting, they're not anti-national. They're our own people. They're our next generation. With this sense of belonging, along with dialogue, I said a sense of belonging is needed. A relationship is needed. That is our relationship. Its recognition is needed."
Bhagwat validated the grievances relayed by the protestors. "Whatever has happened, the grievance is genuine. There is a lot that needs to be done in Indian education; since it's not happening, it's being talked about."
He framed the protest itself as a legitimate democratic tool when other channels fail.
"Protest is also a form of dialogue. We are sitting here and talking; if things are understood this way, it's fine. Otherwise, there will be a debate between us. If you are in some difficulty, or I am in some difficulty, and it is in your hands or my hands to resolve it, and it's not happening, then I will shout," he said.
Bhagwat contrasted today's youth with his own generation, saying the shift toward questioning authority is a different way of engaging with the world.
"When we were at the age of Gen Z, the nature of our generation was such that we would accept what the elders said. We wouldn't question. Now Gen Z and Gen Alpha ask questions; they want logical answers," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
PT Usha praising Bhagwat is interesting. I'm not a fan of the RSS, but I appreciate that he's at least listening to the youth instead of labeling them. The point about protests being a form of dialogue when other channels fail is actually quite democratic. Let's see if this translates into real change.
This is a huge shift from the usual rhetoric. Bhagwat ji saying "they're our own people" about Gen Z protesters is a strong message. The youth aren't the enemy — they're the future. Respect for acknowledging the genuine grievances in education. 👏
I'll be honest, I was skeptical when I read this. But Bhagwat's point about the difference between his generation (accepting elders without question) and Gen Z (demanding logical answers) is spot on. My parents are like that too. Times are changing, and it's good to see leaders adapting.
It's easy to talk, but will anything actually change? The education system has been broken for decades. I appreciate the sentiment, but we need concrete reforms, not just inspirational talks. Otherwise, the next protest will be even louder. 🤔
As someone who’s watched Indian politics from abroad, this is a welcome change. The way Bhagwat framed the protests — as a legitimate democratic tool — is a mature take. It’s a good sign that leaders like PT Usha are endorsing this kind of dialogue with the younger generation.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.