Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday (July 24, 2026) stressed that the biggest challenge before families today is connecting with the younger generation through dialogue rather than authority, asserting that “today’s youth need discussion, not dictation.”

Mr. Bhagwat was speaking at an event organised under the banner of Vishwa Mangalya Sabha, an organisation “focused on empowered motherhood, cultural harmony and universal wellbeing”, as per its website.

The event took place at Ambedkar International Centre, just a kilometre away from Jantar Mantar, where students are protesting against exam paper leaks under the banner of the ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ (CJP) with demands for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, along with changes in the examination and education system and compensation for parents whose children have committed suicide due to NEET paper leak.

In his speech, which revolved around the topic of Yuganukul Matritva (Contemporary Motherhood), the RSS chief stressed that parenting styles must evolve with changing times.

Different approach to parenting now

“There was a time when obedience came naturally. When we were children, if our mother or father said something, there were no arguments. Once they had spoken, that was the end of the discussion. We also had deep faith in them. We believed they had seen more of life than we had, and that their experience would guide us in the right direction,” he said.

Stressing how things are different presently, he added, “The younger generation asks questions, and rightly so. They want reasons and explanations. They are constantly exposed to countless influences through modern media and materialistic culture, which often leaves them confused. It is our responsibility to help them find clarity amidst that confusion.”

Guiding parents further, Mr. Bhagwat said that more than anything else, children need a strong sense of belonging. They need time, attention and meaningful conversations.

“Today, parenting cannot be about dictation. It has to be about discussion; not orders, but consensus,” he said.

Parents too occupied with work: Bhagwat

Expressing dissatisfaction over ‘declining conversations within families’, he said that parents are too occupied with work and then with their phone and so does the children.

“Each person remains absorbed in their own screen, often unaware even of those sitting beside them. I’m sure many of you have experienced this in your own homes. This has to change. We need to make time for one another. When we spend time together, conversations begin. And when conversations become relaxed and informal, children feel comfortable enough to open up and share what’s truly on their minds,” he added.

Stating that children today judge parents by their actions and not directions, he said that the younger generation won’t accept things simply because they’re told about it. They want ‘us’ to practice what we preach, he said.

“They observe everything and analyse it carefully. If a father lies even while speaking on the phone, children notice it immediately. Then they question their parents that if you tell us not to lie, but you’re doing the same thing,” he said.

Asking parents not to leave everything to textbooks, the RSS chief said that parents must learn themselves to answer the queries of children.

“Even abroad, children ask, why do gods have the face of a monkey or the head of an elephant? What does that represent? When children come home with such questions, many parents don’t know how to answer. Neither the father nor the mother has been taught the deeper meaning behind these symbols. Ideally, such topics should be included in school textbooks. That would certainly help. But can we simply leave the responsibility of educating children entirely to textbooks?” he said.

Published - July 25, 2026 01:02 pm IST