Are Indian parents’ RSS affiliations a source of conflict for their Gen Z children? In India, where traditional family ties and cultural values are deeply ingrained, a growing number of young adults are finding themselves at odds with their parents over their involvement with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization.
For many Gen Z Indians, the RSS is synonymous with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was once a member of the organization. This perception has led to a widening chasm between Indian youth and their parents, with some young adults openly questioning their parents’ ties to the RSS. ‘My father is an RSS pracharak,’ says Rohan, a 25-year-old from Mumbai, using the Hindi term for a full-time RSS worker. ‘I’ve always known about it, but I never understood why he was so dedicated to it.’
What is the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)?
The RSS, founded in 1925, is a Hindu nationalist organization that aims to promote Hinduism and Indian culture. Its ideology emphasizes the importance of traditional Indian values and the need to preserve Hindu identity. With a strong presence across India, the RSS has a significant following among Hindus, particularly in rural areas. However, its ties to Prime Minister Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have led many to view it as a right-wing, nationalist organization.
For many Gen Z Indians, the RSS represents a force that seeks to impose a particular brand of Hinduism on the country. This perception has led to a growing sense of unease among young adults, who feel that their parents’ involvement with the RSS is at odds with their own values of tolerance and inclusivity. ‘I understand that my parents are proud of their Hindu heritage, but I’m concerned about the RSS’s stance on issues like minority rights and secularism,’ says Aisha, a 22-year-old from Delhi.
Why the conflict between Gen Z and their parents?
The conflict between Gen Z and their parents over the RSS is rooted in a deep-seated difference in values and perspectives. While older Indians tend to view the RSS as a symbol of Indian culture and tradition, younger Indians see it as a force that seeks to undermine the country’s secular ethos. This divide is further exacerbated by the internet and social media, which have become a key platform for Gen Z to express their opinions and engage with one another.
For many young Indians, the RSS’s stance on issues like cow protection and love jihad has been particularly contentious. The organization’s advocacy for these causes has been seen as an attempt to impose a particular brand of Hinduism on the country, which many young adults find unacceptable. ‘I have friends from different faiths and backgrounds, and I believe that India is a secular country,’ says Rohan. ‘I don’t want my parents’ RSS affiliation to define my relationships with others.’
What’s next for Gen Z and their parents?
The conflict between Gen Z and their parents over the RSS is unlikely to subside anytime soon. As Indian youth continue to assert their independence and express their opinions, their parents will need to confront the reality of their own biases and prejudices. ‘I’m not asking my parents to give up their RSS affiliation, but I want them to understand my perspective and respect my views,’ says Aisha.
Ultimately, the future of India’s family dynamics and social fabric will depend on how this conflict is resolved. Will Gen Z and their parents find common ground, or will the divide between them continue to grow? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the conversation has just begun.