RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Says 'Era of Obedience Is Over', Calls for Dialogue With Youth 

In the wake of the student agitation by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday said that the youth of today do not tolerate blind obedience and want answers, understanding and meaningful dialogue.

Bhagwat said that instead of giving orders, the younger generation should be engaged with love and logic in the concluding session of the two-day 'Yuganukul Matrutva' (Contemporary Motherhood) event organised by Vishwamangalya Sabha at the Ambedkar International Centre.

'The Era of Obedience Is Over,' Says Bhagwat

Bhagwat said that the mindset of the young people has changed and society should change its approach towards them. "When we were young, it was an era of obedience. That's not the case anymore. The new generation asks questions. We have to explain the reasoning to them. We need to give them a lot of affection. We need to spend time with them. We need to communicate with them," he said.

He also said he was worried that meaningful dialogue was also diminishing even within families, and that it was more important than ever for parents and elders to spend time with young people.

RSS Chief warns against individualism

In his speech, Bhagwat lashed out at the increasing individualism, which he termed as “extreme individualism”, and said that many people were drifting away from family life, marriage and social responsibility towards personal freedom.

Some now ask why they should marry or have families or be responsible to the community, viewing relationships as more of a transaction than a social bond, he said. 

According to him, societies that earlier embraced such ideas are now reconsidering them, while confusion is deliberately being created by those who seek to challenge long-standing values and traditions.

'Technology Should Serve Humanity'

Bhagwat also talked about the fast pace of technological advancement and said that India should be open to innovation while maintaining its cultural roots.

He stated that the nation should learn how to use technology, rather than relying on it: "We will master technology. We will become its masters rather than its slaves. We will use it for the welfare of humanity’’.

He also said that science cannot solve all the questions and emphasized the need for the traditional knowledge systems of India along with the advancement of technology.

Remarks Come Amid CJP Student Protests

Bhagwat's remarks came when student-led protests, associated with the CJP movement, were getting attention in the country. While he did not directly refer to the demonstrations, his remarks on engaging with young people through dialogue instead of unquestioning obedience come as debates over student participation in public protests continue.