'Don't dictate, engage with youth, build consensus': Mohan Bhagwat amid NEET protest storm

Speaking at the Vishwa Mangalya Sabha event in Delhi, Bhagwat said today's youth expect answers and reasoning, unlike previous generations that largely accepted instructions without question.

'Young people ask questions, we must engage with them'

In remarks that are being interpreted as a message for the government, Bhagwat said: "We need to change the way we work with the younger generation. In the past, children were expected to follow instructions without questioning them. We trusted our parents' experience and accepted their guidance. Today's generation, however, asks questions—and that's something we must embrace."

He added: "Instead of dictating, we need to engage in conversations and discuss. We should build consensus and not pass orders. Unfortunately, meaningful discussions within families are becoming rare because everyone is absorbed in their mobile phones."

Remarks come amid nationwide NEET protests

Bhagwat's comments come at a time when the Centre is facing sustained protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, with thousands of students and activists demanding accountability and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The RSS chief heads the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological parent organisation of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

PM Modi reaches out to students

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also stepped in, releasing midnight video messages on two consecutive days aimed at addressing concerns raised by students, particularly Gen Z protesters leading the nationwide movement against the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.

On Thursday night, Modi announced that the government would introduce stricter measures against those involved in paper leak cases.

"Paper leak is not an ordinary issue. It is very painful for lakhs of students and their families," the Prime Minister said, adding that fast-track courts would be established to ensure the speedy trial of such cases.

On Friday, Modi posted another video message saying, "Thanks to the youngsters who watched my video yesterday and sent insightful suggestions."

Government offers in-principle approval on two demands

On Friday, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) representatives held talks with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh.

Following the meeting, Ashutosh Ranka said the government had sought time until Saturday afternoon to respond to the protesters' primary demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

He added that the Centre had given its "in-principle approval" to two other key demands:

• Providing compensation to the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide.
• Withdrawing FIRs and other legal cases filed against protesting students.