Mumbai | August 4, 2026
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat is set to address more than 2,000 students aged 15 to 19 at a major youth conference in Mumbai on August 6, where he is expected to speak on democracy, nation-building, leadership, and youth participation in public life.
The event, organized to mark the 15th anniversary of India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (I.I.M.U.N.), is being described by organizers as one of the largest youth gatherings of its kind.
At the same time, Opposition leaders have questioned the RSS’s growing engagement with young people, triggering a fresh political debate.
Bhagwat to Speak at Opening Session
The conference will be held at the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai and is expected to bring together students from 100 cities across India.
According to organizers, the participants belong primarily to Generation Z and Generation Alpha, with ages ranging from 15 to 19 years.
Bhagwat is expected to discuss:
- Democracy and constitutional values
- Nation-building
- Responsible citizenship
- Leadership among young people
- India’s future role in global affairs
The organizers say the objective is to encourage civic awareness and constructive dialogue among students.
One of the Largest Youth Conferences
The event marks the 15th anniversary of I.I.M.U.N., an organization that conducts Model United Nations-style educational programs for students across India.
More than 2,000 teenagers from different regions of the country are expected to attend the conference, making it one of the largest youth-focused gatherings hosted by the organization.
Political observers view the event as part of the RSS’s broader engagement with younger generations.
Opposition Criticizes RSS Initiative
The proposed interaction has drawn criticism from Opposition leaders.
CPI (ML) Liberation General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya questioned the RSS’s outreach to young people, arguing that organizations associated with the Sangh Parivar should first address concerns over the treatment of young protesters.
Bhattacharya asked what message would be delivered to students during the conference and alleged that the ruling establishment has taken an adversarial approach toward sections of youth involved in protests.
Opposition Cites Earlier Statements
The Opposition also referred to previous remarks made by various political leaders regarding student protests and young demonstrators.
Bhattacharya cited comments previously attributed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP leaders, and other public figures while criticizing what he described as the government’s approach toward young protesters.
These remarks have been part of broader political debates in recent months over youth engagement, public demonstrations, and freedom of expression.
Significance of the Event
The conference comes at a time when political parties and social organizations across India are increasingly focusing on Gen Z and Gen Alpha, recognizing their growing influence on public discourse and future electoral participation.
Bhagwat’s address is expected to outline the RSS’s perspective on civic responsibility, democratic participation, and nation-building for the next generation.
Whether the event remains an educational platform or becomes part of a wider political debate will likely depend on the discussions that emerge following the conference.
