Youth are India’s demographic dividend, must be guided properly: Mohan Bhagwat

Mangalore Today News Network

Nagpur, Aug. 15, 2026: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday described India’s youth as a “demographic dividend” and said the country stands to benefit immensely if young people are guided properly. Otherwise, he cautioned, they could become a burden on society in the future.

Speaking at an interaction with Gen Z organised by the Lokmat Media Group in Nagpur, Bhagwat said India’s youth must understand that Bharat is distinct from countries such as the United States, Australia, China and New Zealand, and should chart its own path for development and progress.

“The youth are a demographic dividend. If they are handled properly, the nation will benefit greatly; otherwise, there could be a burden on society. Employment is not limited to jobs alone. Even labour work deserves dignity and respect,” he said.

Bhagwat stressed that India should develop a vision suited to its own circumstances rather than imitate other nations. He said Bharat has a responsibility to offer the world a balanced and sustainable path for the future.

“The world is stumbling due to an incomplete vision. It is Bharat’s responsibility to show a future path through its own vision and help create balance,” he said.

Drawing a parallel with the effort involved in hoisting a large national flag at the event, Bhagwat urged citizens to reflect on the commitment required to elevate the nation to greater heights.

“We are Bharat, with our own pride, dignity and standards of progress. We must think for ourselves and for the country,” he said.

The RSS chief noted that while much of the world focuses primarily on material wealth, India’s outlook extends beyond making money.

“In Bharat, life is not only about earning money. Our values and way of thinking are different,” he remarked.

Bhagwat also called for greater promotion of entrepreneurship and encouraged young people to face challenges with courage and determination.

Highlighting India’s unique demographic and geographic realities, he said the country could not simply adopt development models followed by nations such as Canada, the US or China.

“With a large population and comparatively limited geographical space, India requires a distinct approach to addressing its challenges. We need serious study and independent thinking,” he said.

Addressing the gathering, Vijay Darda, Chairman of the Editorial Board of Lokmat Media Group and former Rajya Sabha member, praised Bhagwat’s efforts to engage people with diverse viewpoints and foster dialogue on national issues.

Darda said India’s youth are the nation’s greatest strength and that older generations must understand their aspirations, language and concerns to bridge the generation gap.

He also highlighted the poor condition of many government-run schools and stressed the need for urgent improvements in education and healthcare infrastructure if India aims to become a developed nation.

Earlier in the day, Bhagwat hoisted the National Flag at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur as part of the country’s 80th Independence Day celebrations.