‘The New Generation Has Its Own Way Of Looking At Things But That Doesn't Make Them Wrong’: Former Army Chief General Naravane On Understanding Gen Z
· Free Press Journal

Manoj Mukund (MM) Narvane, the ex-Army Chief who came into limelight after his unpublished memoir raised a debate in the Lok Sabha, talked about Gen Z. He recently spoke about the need to understand the younger generation and their distinct way of looking at the world. Reflecting on the differences between generations, Naravane said that Gen Z may have its own perspectives, but that does not necessarily make them wrong.
“The new generation has its own way of looking at things, but that doesn't make them wrong,” Naravane said, highlighting the importance of accepting changing viewpoints instead of dismissing them simply because they differ from traditional thinking.
Visit playerbros.org for more information.
MM Naravane talked about Gen Z
Former Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane talked about Gen Z on Friday. Talking to media, he said, "That is no longer the philosophy now. Now you change cars every five years, does that mean you are a bad person? No, but that is the way, you know, things have evolved.”
“Similarly the new generation also has their own way of looking at various things, which may not always be in line with your thinking, but that doesn't make them wrong. So you have to understand what makes them tick and harness those energies,” he added.
VIDEO | Maharashtra: General Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retired) launched the 'The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries' event in Pune, hosted by entrepreneur and activist Praful Sarda.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 20, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/d8jp61yd2p) pic.twitter.com/uknX76lNsA
Responsibility to guide youngsters
On being talking about youngsters' perspective, retired Army Chief said, "Understand what makes them tick and harness that energy,” Naravane says, stressing that Gen Z does not want harm to befall the country and believes its actions are aimed at its betterment. So let's understand them rather than just scolding them. It is very easy to scold someone. They are our own children, and if there is something wrong in a child's thinking, it is our responsibility to help remove it. Otherwise, what are we elders for?”.
Pune, Maharashtra: Former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd) says, "So, as I just mentioned that once they read this book, it is a very easy book to read. It is 25 self-contained chapters. You don't have to read it from cover to cover. You can open any chapter… pic.twitter.com/OsvdD7V8Uq
— IANS (@ians_india) August 20, 2026
Remarks after Kargil incident
Naravane's remark came after a woman disputing in Kargil and calling herself Gen Z.
This occurred a day after multiple former Army leaders supported soldiers following a viral clip depicting a woman disputing with security staff at the Minimarg checkpoint in Kargil, Ladakh.
VK Singh, the former Army chief and governor of Mizoram, stated that critiques of the armed forces should stem from factual evidence instead of emotional responses or broad accusations. He labeled the event a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of troops and stated that disrespecting them was inappropriate.
‘We Are Gen Z’ Is New ‘Jaante Nahin Ho Mera Baap Kaun Hai’: J&K CM Omar Abdullah On Ladakh Tourist Row‘Gen-Z’ woman apologises over checkpost rant: A woman whose video arguing with security personnel at Minamarg Check Post in #Ladakh went viral has apologised to Army, saying she deeply respects the force. Regretting her remarks, she said she never intended to insult armed forces.… https://t.co/o2wy6So0S4 pic.twitter.com/yCGf3I50aZ
— Goldy Srivastav (@GoldySrivastav) August 22, 2026
Understanding Gen Z perspective
Gen Z, broadly referring to people born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, has grown up in a vastly different environment from previous generations. With smartphones, social media, instant communication and easy access to information shaping their lives, their approach towards work, relationships, authority and social issues can often be different.
Naravane's remarks underline the importance of intergenerational understanding. While older generations may sometimes find younger people's choices unfamiliar, differences in perspective are not necessarily a sign of a lack of discipline or values.