Placards in hand, slogans echoing through the streets and peaceful demonstrations gathering momentum, the nation's capital has become the centre of growing public discontent. People across all age groups, especially the youth, are stepping out to voice their dissatisfaction with a system they believe has failed them. The alleged mismanagement of the education system, the shattered dreams of thousands of students, and the lives lost that many believe could have been prevented are just a few among the many issues that can no longer be brushed aside. The recent Jantar Mantar protests have seen large numbers of students and young activists assemble to raise concerns over issues that directly affect their futures.
Voices from Goa
Yet, the unrest is far from confined to Delhi. Across states, students, young professionals and members of the public are holding marches, candlelight vigils, sit-ins and online campaigns. Whether it is examination irregularities, delayed recruitments, crimes that spark nationwide outrage or local issues affecting communities, young Indians are increasingly willing to challenge authority and demand accountability. While social media amplifies their voices, many believe meaningful change still requires a physical presence, visible crowds and sustained public pressure.
"We believe the education system needs a change. While the protest happening in the capital is completely based on the education system, it is a democracy where the people are asking for answers and accountability but are not receiving any," say members of Uzwaad, an NGO. They believe it is the silence of the concerned authorities that is further strengthening the movement. For Kesia Dias, a political science student, the unrest in Delhi is not a distant issue. She believes the frustration is shared by young people across the country, including Goa. "I hope the Jantar Mantar protest reaches a satisfactory end and the demands of the protestors are met. I only hope justice prevails," she says.
According to youth leader Shohail Francis Furtado, today's generation refuses to accept that "this is just how things are". Rather than remaining spectators, they see themselves as stakeholders in decisions that shape their future. "They refuse to accept injustice. They are not afraid to question those in power, speak up when something is wrong, and demand better for their communities," he says.
Power of social media
While the demonstrations are unfolding on the streets, many of today's movements begin online. Social media has become more than just a platform for opinions; it is often where awareness is built, information spreads, and like-minded people come together before taking their demands to the streets. "Being one of the young voices who has been at the forefront for the cause of Goa in this past year, I can truly tell you the power of social media. Posting about causes that matter is about putting your opinion out there in the world and holding those we have given the power to run the state accountable," says Dr Shoaib Sayed (Daniyal), doctor, author and co-founder of a MedTech company. He believes today's youth are driven not only by awareness but also by a desire to safeguard the future of the country. "This is a generation of proud Indians and proud Goenkars who want to make sure that their future and identity are not destroyed because of a few vested interests," he says.
Changing mindset
Young people today are often described as more vocal than previous generations, but is it because they are more aware of societal issues or simply because they have more platforms to express themselves? Shohail believes it is a combination of both. "Young people today are more aware of the issues affecting society, and they also have platforms that allow them to amplify their voices," he says. However, he is quick to acknowledge that the efforts of previous generations should not be overlooked. "Many of them have been fighting for these causes for years. The only difference is that they did not grow up with social media, so their voices may not always have reached as many people," he adds. While greater awareness and stronger digital platforms have amplified these voices, Shoaib believes people step onto the streets only when they feel they have exhausted every other option. "Nobody wants to take time out from their busy lives, work or studies to focus on what is wrong with the institutions we have elected, but they are forced to when the fight reaches their doorstep," he says.
Demand for change
Whether it is an examination gone wrong, a delayed investigation or an issue affecting their own communities, today's youth no longer believe that silence guarantees change. Across the country, more and more young people are stepping beyond classrooms, workplaces and social media to participate in marches, sit-ins and demonstrations, convinced that collective action can bring about the changes they seek. Their protests are not merely a demand for accountability or immediate action, but a call for lasting change, one where systems fail fewer people, fewer dreams are shattered, and fewer lives are lost.
