World · India Bureau
Ex-Army Chief Urges Understanding of Gen Z Amid Recent Protests
Former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane has advocated for empathy and patient dialogue with the younger generation, emphasizing the need to listen to their concerns during the current wave of protests.
LSN India ·

In a call for greater intergenerational understanding, retired General Manoj Mukund Naravane has urged society to approach Gen Z's activism with patience and openness. The former chief of the Indian Army stressed the importance of comprehending the motivations and perspectives driving youth-led demonstrations across the country.
"We should try to understand them," Naravane said, highlighting the need for meaningful engagement rather than dismissal of younger voices. His remarks come as India witnesses sustained protest movements led primarily by Gen Z activists raising concerns on various issues affecting the nation.
The former military leader's comments reflect a broader sentiment among senior figures calling for constructive dialogue between generations. Rather than viewing youth protests as mere dissent, Naravane suggested that listening to their grievances could provide valuable insights into societal concerns that need addressing.
Naravane's advocacy for empathy underscores the growing recognition that understanding the Gen Z perspective is essential for social cohesion and effective governance. His remarks are likely to resonate with policymakers and institutional leaders grappling with how to engage with an increasingly vocal and organized younger demographic that is reshaping India's civic landscape.