RSS Plans New ‘Patriotic Gen Z Force’ to Connect with India’s Younger Generation
Separate unit also proposed to monitor social media and promote patriotic narratives
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is reportedly planning to establish a new youth organisation named the ‘Patriotic Gen Z Force’ as part of its efforts to strengthen its outreach among the younger generation and build closer connections with Gen Z.
The decision was reportedly taken during a high-level meeting of the Sangh Parivar held recently in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Alongside the proposed youth force, the RSS is also considering the formation of a separate team to monitor social media activities and promote patriotic narratives.
The move comes amid growing youth-led protests over several national issues. Gen Z activists had staged sustained demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar against the alleged NEET examination paper leak. Similarly, sections of the younger generation have also raised their voices against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
According to political observers, the growing influence of youth-led protest platforms has emerged as a new challenge for the BJP and the central government. Against this backdrop, the RSS appears to be focusing on strengthening its engagement with the younger generation.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has emphasised the importance of maintaining continuous communication with Gen Z. He said Sangh members must understand the language, behaviour, lifestyle and thought processes of the younger generation to establish meaningful connections with them.
Bhagwat has also clarified that the proposed initiative is not intended to create confrontation with Gen Z protesters. Instead, he has advocated dialogue and mutual understanding. He maintained that questioning authority and participating in protests are democratic rights of students and that young protesters should not be branded as ‘anti-national’.
Highlighting the characteristics of the younger generation, Bhagwat observed that Gen Z seeks logical explanations on every issue and expects mutual respect and sincerity. He also described the generation as more honest than the older generation and said that young people possess a strong sense of patriotism and a willingness to serve society.
The RSS chief further acknowledged that Gen Z has genuine concerns regarding India’s education system and social structure. According to him, such grievances should not be ignored but addressed through constructive discussions and efforts to build consensus.
Meanwhile, a section of political analysts believes that the RSS may be seeking to develop a new generation of politically and socially active young people under its own leadership, alongside existing Gen Z protest movements. The proposed group could potentially take up important social and political issues and even raise its voice against government policies when necessary.
As the RSS marks its centenary year, its reported plan to establish a dedicated ‘Patriotic Gen Z Force’ has sparked interest in the organisation’s evolving strategy to engage with India’s younger generation. The impact of this proposed initiative on the country’s social and political landscape remains to be seen.
