Mohan Bhagwat to Engage with Youth Following Recent Protests

Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, is scheduled to engage with over 2,000 students from across India at an event in Mumbai. This interaction is set for August 6, during the inaugural ceremony of the 15th Annual Championship Conference organised by India's International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN).

The gathering will take place at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC). Bhagwat's address comes shortly after student-led demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, which led to the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan from his position as Union Minister for Education. The protests were primarily driven by students advocating for educational reforms and better policies.

The students attending this conference, aged between 15 and 19, are expected to represent their respective schools and colleges in various discussions on pressing local, national, and international issues. The central theme of the conference will be 'The Role of Youth in Uniting the World, the Indian Way.'

IIMUN was founded in 2011 by Rishabh Shah and has become one of the largest platforms for youth engagement in India, organising numerous conferences annually. Shah expressed his gratitude towards Bhagwat for participating in the event, stating that this dialogue is crucial for the future of young leaders in India.

“Leadership is not only about guiding the next generation but also listening to it. At this critical juncture in India's journey, we need this dialogue more than ever before,” said Shah.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also commented on recent interactions with young people, questioning the timing of such engagements amidst ongoing issues faced by students. Thackeray challenged those reaching out to the youth to address past shortcomings in protecting their rights during recent protests.

The IIMUN platform actively promotes civic engagement and aims to prepare the next generation for leadership roles, with many past participants moving on to notable positions in various fields including politics, law, and business.

The event highlights the increasing significance of youth voices in current socio-political discussions in India. With the participation of Mohan Bhagwat, the interaction is anticipated to bring insights into the RSS's vision for youth engagement in national discourse.