Mumbai, 06 August 2026.
If a solution cannot be reached through dialogue, constitutional and democratic protest is an appropriate course of action. Although protest is a legitimate instrument in a democracy, it must be exercised with wisdom and responsibility and should never lead to divisions, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat Ji. He was delivering the keynote address at the inaugural session of the 15th Annual Championship Conference organised by the India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (I.I.M.U.N.) on Friday.
The conference, held at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, Mumbai, was attended by more than 2,000 students in the 15–24 age group from over 100 cities across Bharat. The primary objective of the conference was to nurture future leadership, develop communication skills, and cultivate a constructive outlook among young people towards national and global issues. Welcoming Dr. Bhagwat to the interactive session, I.I.M.U.N. Founder Rishabh Shah thanked him for accepting the invitation to engage with the students.
During the interaction, Dr. Mohan Bhagwat Ji shared his views on several contemporary issues, including protest culture, education, the impact of social media on youth, LGBTQ issues, women’s empowerment, environmental conservation, and the qualities required for leadership in a developed Bharat.
Speaking on student protests, he said that while protest is one form of dialogue, it must never become a cause for division. Referring to Bharat’s long tradition of Shastrartha (culture of reasoned debate), he said that the questions raised by Generation Z should not be viewed merely as opposition. Instead, society and the system have a responsibility to understand their concerns and address them. “If Gen Z is protesting, it does not mean that it is anti-national. The younger generation is an integral part of our society and deserves empathetic engagement. Mutual understanding can only grow through dialogue,” he said. He also observed that the present-day Gen Z and Gen Alpha generations are more honest and sincere in expressing their views.
On education, Mohan Bhagwat Ji said that education is an essential necessity of life and must be accessible to everyone. While the government has an important role to play, society too shares equal responsibility in ensuring quality education. He pointed out that Vidya Bharati currently runs nearly 23,000 schools across the country without financial assistance from the government. He said that positive reforms in education can be achieved without resorting to agitation.
Appealing to young people to act responsibly on social media, he urged them to share only positive and socially beneficial information. He advised them to rely only on credible sources of information and said that the older generation also has a responsibility to help develop the younger generation’s ability to distinguish between right and wrong. He added that Gen Z should emulate positive role models rather than glorify violence.
Sarsanghchalak Ji further said that Bharat believes in creating harmony through dialogue and that lasting solutions emerge only through peaceful engagement. However, during times of conflict, citizens should stand firmly behind their government. Supporting the government’s decisions on matters relating to national security is the responsibility of every citizen, he said. He also emphasised that humanity must remain the highest value. Society does not progress by defeating or eliminating others; it advances through dialogue, coordination and mutual understanding.
Speaking on LGBTQ issues, he said that members of the LGBTQ community are an integral part of society and deserve dignity and respect. He observed that in traditional Bharatiya culture, marriage has never been viewed merely as an arrangement for two individuals to live together. It also serves the larger purpose of nurturing future generations and building a healthy and value-based society. Any fundamental alteration to the institution of marriage could have wider social implications. Therefore, society must first be sensitised on the issue. Laws, he said, evolve in accordance with society’s needs and values. From this perspective, he expressed the view that same-sex relationships may be recognised as companionship rather than marriage in the traditional sense.
Responding to a question on why the RSS’s principal organisational structure consists only of men despite advocating equal participation of women in nation-building, he said that such perceptions arise from incomplete information. He explained that women are entrusted with responsibilities across various organisations associated with the Sangh and perform these roles effectively. He pointed out that the Rashtra Sevika Samiti was established during the formative years of the RSS itself. Women also participate in the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha and play an important role in the decision-making process. He added that women have a significant presence across various Sangh-inspired organisations.
On employment, Sarsanghchalak Ji said that society’s mindset needs to change. Employment should not be equated only with salaried jobs. Entrepreneurship and skill-based professions are equally important avenues of livelihood. Every form of work deserves equal dignity if unemployment is to be effectively addressed. He stressed the need to strengthen respect for the dignity of labour and called for corresponding reforms in the education system.
Speaking on reservation, he said that the need for reservation arose because of social inequalities. He noted that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had clearly articulated this position. Reservation, he said, should not become an issue of political contestation. If effective and sincere measures are taken to achieve social justice, the need for reservation may gradually diminish in the future.
On sustainable development and environmental conservation, Mohan Bhagwat Ji observed that Bharat is playing a significant role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Environment-friendly development is both possible and necessary, he said, adding that environmental conservation must begin at home and become a part of everyday life.
Speaking on the qualities required in leaders to build a Vikasit Bharat by 2047, he said that true leadership begins with self-leadership. Only those who can guide themselves in the right direction are capable of guiding others. The true purpose of leadership, he said, is not merely to create followers but to develop future leaders.
