Concerns of youth should be understood and addressed: RSS leaders

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders said that issues such as NEET that concern youth and their future should be understood and addressed.

“This issue [Jantar Mantar protest] was not viewed as being limited only to corruption. Wherever there are shortcomings in the system, it is necessary to correct them through awareness in society, along with efforts by the government. Whether it is an issue such as NEET or other systemic problems, these create concerns among young people about their future, and it is necessary to understand these concerns and address them,” RSS Sah Sarkaryavah C.R Mukunda said.

Stating that solutions will not emerge merely through protest or disruption, he added, “The government at the Centre, states and society must work together to improve the system through a positive and constructive approach.”

Mr. Mukunda, along with Sunil Ambekar, Akhila Bharata Prachara Pramukh, spoke to the media on the final day of the three-day Akhil Bharatiya Samanvay Baithak (All India Coordination Meeting) event held at the Vijnana Vihara Residential School campus at Gudilova on Friday.

Office-bearers and workers of 32 Sangh-inspired organisations working in various fields and the nation participated in the meeting. A total of 326 delegates, including 49 women delegates, from various organisations participated in the three-day meeting.

Mr. Mukunda said the meeting held serious discussions on demographic change and imbalance. “In the context of the challenges arising from ageing populations and declining fertility rates in many countries of the world, the situation in India was considered. Changes taking place in the population ratios of different regions and communities and their social impact were discussed, along with measures to maintain balance and harmony in society,” he said.

Expressing serious concern over the increasing reach of narcotic substances among youth in the country, the meeting emphasised that this problem needs to be addressed not merely at the level of the government or police, but through the participation of the entire society.

“Instead of merely having a dialogue with youth, it is necessary to engage with them directly, understand their feelings and concerns, and through dialogue develop a sense of affinity towards the country, culture and social values,” he said.

A detailed discussion was also held on the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on society. “While considering the positive possibilities of AI as well as the precautions and challenges associated with it, emphasis was laid on the need to view it from the Indian perspective and within the Indian social context,” he said and added that deliberations will continue how technology can be used in the interest of society and how society can be made aware of its potential adverse effects.