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 countryâs youth.

Speaking in a light-hearted vein, the Sambalpur MP said he âsufferedâ because of Gen Zâs 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 âwas not at all a prestige issue for meâ. Referring to around 20 crores in the 15-25 age group, Pradhan said, âIf 20 crore youngsters become determined about something, my responsibility is nothing before their resolve,â adding that he tried to explain this reality to the PM, who later engaged directly with the youth. âCountryâs interest is above all,â he said.

The Sambalpur MP said every generation has produced youths who made sacrifices for the country.

âHistorically, it is the youth who have led change and offered sacrifices. They were the Gen Z of their times,â Pradhan said.