In recent years, the political landscape of India has been dramatically influenced by the voices of its youth, particularly in the realm of protest and activism. The recent uproar following an exam leak scandal, which culminated in the ousting of the Education Minister, illustrates a growing discontent among India’s younger generations, who are increasingly vocal about their demands for accountability and educational reforms. This evolving narrative is marked by the resurrection of the ‘Azadi’ chant, signifying not just a call for freedom but a broader aspiration for social justice and equity in governance.
New Delhi, India — Authorities mobilized early on July 26 to remove graffiti near the Jantar Mantar observatory following tumultuous protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over an exam leak scandal. This unrest resulted in the resignation of India’s Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, a significant moment that underscored rising frustrations with the government’s handling of educational issues.
The protests gained momentum the day prior, marked by a striking entry banner declaring: “#2026 Gen-Z REVOLUTION!!!” The chants of “Azadi, give me freedom!” rang out as a twenty-something protestor climbed a tree to amplify the voices of the gathering crowd. This refrain, drawn from the popular hip-hop song featured in the Bollywood movie Gully Boy, has now emerged as an anthem for student dissent against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist regime.
Fast-paced videos capturing police violence against students at New Delhi’s Parliament Street revived the once-controversial track. The fervor was palpable not just in Delhi, but echoed in cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, and Mumbai. Remarkably, the invocation of ‘Azadi’—a word that had once been associated with condemnation and treason against the state—has transformed into a symbol of resilience and unity for the youth in India.
As calm returned after protests waned following the minister’s resignation, the vibrant yellow police barricades remained a stark reminder of the unrest that had unfolded. Some were painted over with messages commemorating the student leaders jailed in previous movements, encapsulating a journey that has seen ‘Azadi’ evolve from a marginalized cry to a powerful narrative of activism.
The diversity of the ‘Azadi’ chant’s application—from feminist movements observing resistance in Pakistan to the struggles for autonomy in Kashmir—has charted its significance in India’s political discourse. A decade ago, the phrase was synonymous with dissent; now, it signifies a broader demand for freedom from oppression regardless of caste or creed.
In 2016, a lecture at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) intended to discuss capital punishment ignited a national controversy, with pro-Modi media branding participants as “sympathizers of terrorists.” This incident sparked intense scrutiny and a coordinated campaign to stifle dissent within India’s educational institutions. The fallout from this campaign has had lingering effects, prompting systematic curbs on students’ rights to protest and engage in political discourse.
Beyond university walls, movements such as the protests in response to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2019 further diminished the space for dissent, cultivating an atmosphere where student leaders faced increased backlash and criminalization. Many student activists were jailed or marginalized, yet the spirit of expression endures.
Fast forward to the present, where a new generation of student activists assumes the mantle. The Cockroach Janta Party, a social media-driven movement, has gained traction due to its relatable messaging and vibrant online presence, surpassing traditional political frameworks. Originator Abhijeet Dipke and his peers have harnessed this momentum, protesting in iconic spaces while attracting an unprecedented following, reflecting a shift in how young people engage with politics in today’s digital age.
The Jantar Mantar protests exemplified a leaderless movement, yet the emergent coalition-building among established student organizations provided essential infrastructure for sustaining the protests over time. While the challenges persist, the resolve of young activists to claim their narrative amid rising repression signifies a pivotal moment in Indian democracy.
As the summer of dissent unfolds, the refrain of ‘Azadi’ serves as both a rallying cry and a testament to the evolving landscape of activism among the nation’s youth, suggesting a vast potential for transformative change in India’s socio-political fabric.
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