Mumbai Press Club hosts discussion on Gen Z protests and India’s democratic future

Neha Bora from the All India Students Association speaks during the event. PIC/ASHISH RAJE

As debates over the role of young people in shaping India's democratic future continue, journalists and activists came together in Mumbai on Tuesday at the Mumbai Press Club to discuss the lessons emerging from the recent Gen Z protests. Titled ‘Deepening Our Democracy: Lessons from Gen Z Protests', the discussion was organised jointly by the Network of Women in Media in India (NWMI) - Mumbai chapter, and the Mumbai Press Club.

(From left) Senior journalist Kalpana Sharma moderates the discussion led by Neha Bora from AISA, who participated in the Jantar Mantar protests, and Rhiya Yadav, who was part of the Shivaji Park protests. PICS/ASHISH RAJE

The session featured Neha Bora from the All India Students Association (AISA), who participated in the Jantar Mantar protests, and Rhiya Yadav (Rhiya Ahir), who was part of the Shivaji Park protests. Senior journalist Kalpana Sharma moderated the discussion.

Protesting not easy

Sharing her experience, Bora said, "Just saying ‘Dharmendra Pradhan istifa do' was easy, but saying ‘Education system badlo' was and is not easy. Because if we demand this, we should first know what the exact problem is and have solutions to the same.

Points raised by Neha Bora

>> The Bill produced as a solution to paper leak issues just increases penal actions against the criminal

>> People recruited by the National Testing Agency themselves leaked the papers; investigation showed and proved links of these people with the BJP

>> Regarding the National Education Policy, to change any system you need to bring in people who look at the system differently; fresh eyes and minds are the basic need to bring in change

>> Today's education system has become more of a challenge for parents; they will start sending their kids to school only when they feel the education system is not a challenge

>> You cannot have teachers doing election duties and other work other than teaching

>> It's not only the government's responsibility, but the people let this happen for the last several years; we are equally responsible for the growth of society

Democracy at stake

Unanimously, both Yadav and Bora stated that when democracy is in danger, citizens will raise their voice. "It was the idea that democracy meant equality that has encouraged all freedom fighters to fight for our independence. Today, democracy has come down to just having the right to vote. If the basic idea of democracy is being burnt to ashes in all matters - education, social equality, opportunities, political freedom, freedom of speech, and every other thing - people are bound to react," said Bora.

Asserting that raising one's voice does not mean being anti-national, Yadav said, "What's wrong with expecting to live in an ideal country, that too after 80 years of independence? Our ancestors did not fight for independence so that we Gen Zs can again fall into clutches of some other dictators. Something as basic as a girl not being able to wear what she wants and not being able to bend down without fearing the eyes of those around is disgusting. Just because we criticise these living conditions and systems that let it happen doesn't mean we are anti-national. It means that we want to make out country a better place to live in."

Bringing in change

Neha Bora, AISA
‘The frustration that had mounted for so many years came out in this protest. Talking on social media actually made everyone say ‘yahi toh mai bhi bol rahi hoon... ye toh mai bhi soch rahi hoon (I too have been saying this and feel the same)'. Everyone empathised, and that's what awakened the youth.'

Rhiya Yadav,
‘Protest without purpose and knowledge is dangerous. I could stop the van with courage because I knew the law, and because I had done my homework on all sections of BNS. Knowledge gives you courage.'