New Delhi, India — Workers were sent to Jantar Mantar in New Delhi early on the morning of July 26 to cover up graffiti on the walls near the famous observatory. This action came after protests the day before regarding a scandal involving exam leaks, which resulted in the resignation of India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
One notable incident at the protest was a man in his twenties who climbed a tree with a loudspeaker, amplifying the chant, “Azadi, give me freedom!” The crowd responded energetically, raising their hands in solidarity. The chant, taken from a popular Bollywood song in the film Gully Boy, quickly became the rallying cry for these student protests, marking a significant challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
The protests reached beyond Delhi, with similar chants heard in cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, and Mumbai. Interestingly, the word “Azadi” was once seen in a negative light—associated with treasonous protests just a few years ago, resulting in arrests of student leaders.
Following the minister’s exit last month, the protest space at Jantar Mantar fell quiet. Bright yellow police barricades still lined the roads, many of them painted over by protesters with messages, including one that read, “Umar, Sharjeel, Gulfisha were here before you.” This chant has evolved in meaning over the years, from its roots in various movements, including those for Kashmir’s freedom and feminist protests in Pakistan, illustrating the shifts in student activism in India under Modi’s rule.
A Shift in Student Activism
Back in December 2016, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) was buzzing with a discussion on capital punishment. The gathering initially seemed unremarkable, but it soon spiraled into a national controversy when students began chanting “Azadi.” The media, seen as sympathetic to Modi, turned this meeting into a sensational story, branding the students as “terrorist sympathizers.”
The fallout was severe, with criminal charges brought against student leaders like Umar Khalid. This incident dramatized the tense relationship between student activism and the government and led to a marked increase in repression within Indian universities. In the wake of a Dalit student’s tragic death, universities became sites of intense protests, and government crackdowns stifled dissent further.
Over the past several years, activists have reported an increase in violent attacks against student leaders, with rising police presence at universities and a noticeable reduction in the space allowed for free expression.
The Evolution of the ‘Azadi’ Chant
The evolution of the “Azadi” chant reflects broader societal changes and resistance movements. After the 2016 protests, music producer Dub Sharma created a modern version of the chant, blending it with electronic music, bringing it back into the spotlight. Years later, as Modi’s government faced scrutiny, this updated anthem emerged again during protests for educational reform.
While the term “Azadi” gained new cultural relevance, it also retained its roots in various movements advocating for freedom from social injustices. As protests around citizenship laws in 2019 gained traction, student leaders began emerging as significant voices once more.
This summer, protests at Jantar Mantar suggested a new wave of activism driven largely by Gen Z. While earlier movements were centered around minority rights, this latest surge seems more inclusive, focusing on education and systemic inequalities.
Emerging Leaders and New Tactics
One of the brightest figures rising from this new wave is Abhijeet Dipke, who started the Cockroach Janta Party. This online initiative drew massive support, leading to protests demanding educational reforms following scandals that affected numerous students.
As protests filled the streets, students found ways to ensure their voices were heard. Demonstrators embraced social media to highlight their struggles and build momentum, often bypassing traditional media avenues that were viewed as biased.
Many young activists, like Neha Bora from the All India Students Association, helped organize protests effectively. They faced significant threats, with government officials labeling them as “anti-national,” yet the movement’s momentum continued to grow. The commitment to educational reforms resonated deeply with the aspirations of countless young people in India.
Conclusion: Rediscovering Freedom
As the protests at Jantar Mantar unfolded, it became clear that the Indian political landscape is shifting. The chants of “Azadi,” once criminalized, have now become symbols of resilience and hope for a new generation.
Activists like Bora emphasize the importance of this moment, asserting that the fight for fundamental rights remains at the core of their protests. The resurgence of the “Azadi” slogan, representing freedom and social justice, signals a powerful assertion of youth activism in India today, challenging a government that many feel has lost touch with its citizens.
