Protests Erupt in New Delhi Following Education Scandal
New Delhi, India — On July 26, city officials quickly organized a cleanup effort to repaint the walls near the Jantar Mantar observatory after recent protests. These protests, which erupted the day before, were sparked by allegations surrounding an exam leak, leading to the removal of India’s Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan.
The protests were organized by a group called the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and featured a bold message on a banner that read: “#2026 Gen-Z REVOLUTION!!!”
Amid the crowd, a young man climbed a tree with a loudspeaker, energizing the demonstrators with the refrain of a popular song: “Azadi! Give me freedom!” The crowd raised their hands, passionately following the chant. This anthem, originating from the Bollywood movie Gully Boy, has become a powerful rallying cry for the students’ movement, marking one of the most significant challenges to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
Footage of police clashing with students on New Delhi’s Parliament Street revived the song’s popularity, leading to similar demonstrations in cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, and Mumbai. The term “Azadi,” which means “freedom,” has a rich history in Indian political movements, once heavily associated with dissent, particularly in the last decade.
In the aftermath of the protests, the bright yellow police barricades that had lined the streets bore marks of protest, with messages like “Umar, Sharjeel, Gulfisha were here before you” painted in defiance.
The chant “Azadi” has traveled a long way, evolving from movements against the military regime in Pakistan to various forms of resistance in Indian-administered Kashmir. Its resurgence in modern protests reflects the changing landscape of student activism under Modi’s rule.
In December 2016, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) experienced turmoil when a simple meeting among students discussing capital punishment turned into a heated national controversy. The meeting led to accusations against the students of being sympathetic to terrorist groups, resulting in charges of sedition against some, including activist Umar Khalid.
This incident marked a critical point in the landscape of student politics in India, which has faced increasing pressure under the current government. Incidents of violence against student leaders and restrictions on protests have stifled the voices of dissent in universities across the country.
A significant protest emerged in 2019 against amendments to India’s citizenship laws, seen as targeting Muslims and sowing division. In New Delhi, student leaders gained national recognition for their passionate speeches and organized forums, although many faced arrests and legal battles.
Fast forward to the recent protests, where the CJP’s campaign, sparked by outrage over educational reforms, has gained traction. Abhijeet Dipke, a Boston University graduate, returned to India and mobilized youthful energy, with the group quickly gaining a massive social media following.
On June 6, Dipke arrived in New Delhi and joined forces with Neha Bora, president of All India Students’ Association (AISA), at the Jantar Mantar protest site. Together, they faced a challenging situation but found strength in solidarity with fellow students. The protest persisted despite police efforts to disperse the crowds.
The new wave of student activism is marked not just by the demand for educational reforms but also by a broader push against systemic issues facing the youth. Student leaders are utilizing social media strategically to amplify their message, successfully bypassing traditional media that is often less sympathetic to their causes.
Neha Bora noted that the current protests feel different, more united across regions and backgrounds. The chants of “Azadi” echoed through the streets, symbolizing a yearning for rights and recognition that resonates deeply with many.
As these protests continue to unfold, the landscape of political activism in India seems to be shifting, reflecting a growing discontent among youth who are keen to express their views boldly and decisively. Now more than ever, the word “Azadi,” which carries a weight of history and meaning, stands at the forefront of this new generation’s fight for justice and equity in India.
