By RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has called for a shift in the way families and society engage with young people, saying today’s generation expects reasoning, open discussion, and meaningful dialogue instead of unquestioned obedience. Speaking at a national gathering in New Delhi, Bhagwat stressed that parents and elders must adapt to changing times by encouraging conversation rather than issuing instructions.
Addressing the valedictory session of the two-day “Contemporary Motherhood” conference organised by the Vishwa Mangalya Sabha at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Bhagwat said the values of respect and discipline remain important, but the approach towards the younger generation must evolve to match their outlook and expectations.
Reflecting on changing family dynamics, Bhagwat said that earlier generations generally accepted the guidance of parents without questioning it because they trusted their experience. However, he noted that young people today seek logical explanations before accepting any viewpoint.
He said the new generation believes in discussion rather than direction, making it essential for parents and elders to invest time in conversations. According to him, building consensus through dialogue is more effective than imposing decisions, adding that communication within many families has weakened and needs to be revived.
Bhagwat emphasized that parents should be prepared to answer their children’s questions with clarity and understanding. He said this requires adults to continuously expand their own knowledge so they can guide the younger generation with confidence and credibility.
He also observed that children learn more by observing the behaviour of their parents than by simply listening to instructions. For this reason, he said, parents should strive to lead by example, as their conduct plays a vital role in shaping a child’s character during the formative years.
Speaking about upbringing, Bhagwat said the first twelve years of a child’s life are crucial for instilling values and knowledge. If parents fail to provide guidance during this period, they cannot expect children to develop those qualities independently later in life.
The RSS chief further said that many debates in society arise from misunderstanding and, at times, deliberate attempts to create confusion. He encouraged people to understand India’s cultural traditions with confidence instead of accepting outside influences without thoughtful consideration.
Bhagwat said India’s cultural heritage has a strong foundation and should be viewed with pride. He urged people to remain connected to the country’s history, knowledge systems, and traditional values while navigating modern challenges.
He also suggested that school textbooks should include greater knowledge about Hindu deities, saying that awareness of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage would help future generations better understand the country’s civilizational roots.
