Article Today, Hyderabad:
Indian Gen Z — estimated at over 370 million — remains highly connected and vocal online, yet markedly absent from street movements. Despite their awareness of corruption, inequality, and governance failures, many young Indians hesitate to translate digital dissent into public protest. Fear of being branded anti-national, rising unemployment, and deep-rooted social divisions are silencing a generation once expected to transform democracy.
Global Movements, Local Silence
Across South Asia, young voices have toppled governments and forced reforms. In Nepal, youth-led demonstrations brought down a government in just 48 hours. Bangladesh witnessed massive student-led protests against corruption and job quotas that reshaped its political landscape. Similar mobilisations in Indonesia and Madagascar achieved tangible outcomes. Yet in India, apart from the Ladakh agitation for statehood, no national-scale youth movement has emerged in recent years.
Fragmented by Caste and Identity
India’s youth are divided along caste, linguistic, and regional lines, undermining unity. Hyderabad-based journalist Amrita observes that urban youth often focus on career growth and lifestyle concerns, while Dalit youth fight caste discrimination and Tamil youth defend linguistic pride. These fragmented priorities prevent the emergence of a collective national youth voice.
Fear of the “Anti-National” Tag
A growing fear of criminalisation haunts young dissenters. Students say that protests increasingly invite sedition charges or police crackdowns. “Even a peaceful demonstration is branded as anti-national,” says Chaudhary, a political science student at Osmania University. University spaces once known for activism are now subdued. Researcher Kalpana notes that state control over campuses has eroded their protest culture. The prolonged incarceration of student leader Umar Khalid and past sedition cases against Kanhaiya Kumar continue to deter campus movements.
Localised Anger, Missing National Voice
Most youth agitations in India remain local in scope. Gujarat and Haryana have seen protests for reservation; Tamil Nadu’s youth rallied against the Jallikattu ban. However, such mobilisations rarely merge into a national cause. The limited political engagement is evident: in the 2024 elections, only 38 percent of eligible 18-year-olds registered to vote, and nearly 29 percent expressed no interest in politics.
Economic Pressures and Political Disillusionment
Rising unemployment and financial insecurity are major deterrents to youth participation. Many fear losing jobs or opportunities if they engage in activism. Despite India’s economic growth, joblessness continues to drive young people toward silence or migration. Disillusioned with political institutions, sections of Gen Z are turning to religion and cultural identity for belonging. A 2024 survey showed a slight decline in youth support for the BJP but a continuing tilt toward Hindu nationalist sentiment.
Between Hope and Hesitation
Past movements like the Anna Hazare anti-corruption protests and the 2012 Delhi rape case demonstrations once inspired India’s youth. However, state crackdowns and criminalisation of protest have created lasting caution. While their digital influence remains unmatched, India’s Gen Z continues to struggle between fear and hope — connected globally but confined locally.
