Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat will interact with more than 2,000 Gen Z and Gen Alpha students, aged between 15 and 19, in Mumbai on Thursday evening.
The event, to be held at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), has been organised by the International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN) to mark its 15th anniversary.
The interaction comes at a time of heightened engagement with young people following the nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, which culminated in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after a 36-day protest at Jantar Mantar.
Several prominent public figures are also expected to attend the event, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, actor Boman Irani, actress Shabana Azmi and former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.
Shashi Tharoor defends participation amid controversy
Shashi Tharoor’s participation in the event sparked controversy, prompting the Congress MP to issue a clarification on social media.
Responding to the criticism, Tharoor wrote: “This is not an RSS event. It is a student platform that invites thinkers from the fields of education and other disciplines to interact with students.”
He added that the event was organised by a student-led platform and should not be viewed as a political programme.
July 24: Bhagwat called for dialogue with young people
On 24 July, amid the student protests over the NEET paper leak, Mohan Bhagwat said the younger generation should be engaged through dialogue rather than given orders. He said today’s youth ask questions and cannot be led through authority alone. Around 12 hours later, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned.
What is IIMUN? Founder and Chief Rishabh Shah answers key questions
Q: What is IIMUN? Is this the first such programme? A: The International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN) has been organising leadership, dialogue and debate programmes for students for the past 15 years. Its annual Championship Conference is held every year between 1 and 15 August. The organisation hosts events in 108 cities across India and 15 countries. This year marks its 15th anniversary.
Q: How many students will take part in the programme? A: Around 2,000 students, aged between 11 and 19, will participate. They have been selected through IIMUN programmes held in more than 100 cities.
Q: Is this Mohan Bhagwat’s first appearance at an IIMUN event? A: No. This will be his third appearance on the IIMUN platform, having previously attended in 2016-17 and 2020-21. Shah said Bhagwat was invited this year in light of recent developments.
Q: How many students are associated with IIMUN? A: According to Shah, around 30,000 students are actively associated with the organisation, which says it has reached between 70 and 75 million students over the past 15 years.
Q: What is your view on the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) movement? A: Shah said the issues raised by students are of national importance. “It is not about the CJP or the BJP; the focus should be on education. Education is the country’s most important issue and should remain part of the electoral agenda. If India is to become a developed nation, its education system must improve first.”
RSS connecting youth with the organization for 100 years
RSS started ‘Sangh Shiksha Varg’ for youth in 1927. Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) was established in 1948 for youth in student politics. RSS launched the online ‘Join RSS’ program in 2012. 65 thousand youth are joining the Sangh every year through this.
What does the RSS say it teaches young people?
According to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), its approach to youth development is centred on character-building, discipline and service. Its key principles include:
- Self-development before nation-building: The RSS says the intellectual, physical and moral development of young people is the foundation of a stronger nation.
- Nation first: Volunteers are encouraged to place the country’s interests above personal interests and contribute to society.
- Social unity: The organisation advocates greater unity within Hindu society and says discrimination should have no place within it.
- Service: The RSS encourages volunteers to take part in community service and social welfare activities, rather than limiting their contribution to financial donations.
Five core elements of an RSS shakha
An RSS shakha (daily training gathering) typically focuses on:
- Physical fitness and training.
- Intellectual development with an emphasis on nationalism.
- Discipline and character-building.
- Leadership development.
- Respect for Indian culture, as well as the armed forces and police.
