Pradhan said he “suffered” because of Gen Z’s stubbornness but had come to realise that the new generation must be understood rather than resisted BHUBANESWAR: Former Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday described Gen Z as a force that cannot be ignored, saying he had told PM Narendra Modi that the responsibilities of an education minister were insignificant compared to the determination and aspirations of the country’s youth.Speaking in a light-hearted vein, the Sambalpur MP said he “suffered” because of Gen Z’s stubbornness but had come to realise that the new generation must be understood rather than resisted.Though some people tried to mislead Gen Z, Pradhan said, the ministerial position “was not at all a prestige issue for me”. Referring to around 20 crores in the 15-25 age group, Pradhan said, “If 20 crore youngsters become determined about something, my responsibility is nothing before their resolve,” adding that he tried to explain this reality to the PM, who later engaged directly with the youth. “Country’s interest is above all,” he said.The Sambalpur MP said every generation has produced youths who made sacrifices for the country.“Historically, it is the youth who have led change and offered sacrifices. They were the Gen Z of their times,” Pradhan said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAshok PradhanAshok Pradhan is currently chief of bureau The Times of India in Bhubaneswar. He is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal (1999-2000).End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWATCH: Uttarakhand Innovator’s Electric Flying Vehicle Takes Maiden Test FlightUPI To Remain Free For Users, But Some Merchants May Face Nominal Fees In Future: GovtArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With Govt123PhotostoriesHow Sridevi turned the chiffon saree into Bollywood’s most iconic fashion statement10 unique baby girl names inspired by rare and lesser-known flowersFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains the warning signs you should not ignore10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy daysFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case
BHUBANESWAR: Former Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday described Gen Z as a force that cannot be ignored, saying he had told PM Narendra Modi that the responsibilities of an education minister were insignificant compared to the determination and aspirations of the country’s youth.Speaking in a light-hearted vein, the Sambalpur MP said he “suffered” because of Gen Z’s stubbornness but had come to realise that the new generation must be understood rather than resisted.Though some people tried to mislead Gen Z, Pradhan said, the ministerial position “was not at all a prestige issue for me”. Referring to around 20 crores in the 15-25 age group, Pradhan said, “If 20 crore youngsters become determined about something, my responsibility is nothing before their resolve,” adding that he tried to explain this reality to the PM, who later engaged directly with the youth. “Country’s interest is above all,” he said.The Sambalpur MP said every generation has produced youths who made sacrifices for the country.“Historically, it is the youth who have led change and offered sacrifices. They were the Gen Z of their times,” Pradhan said.
