How India’s Young Faced Down Modi

The recent wave of youth protests in India, sparked by a botched medical entrance exam, a judge’s slur, and a satirical social media campaign, has caught even the most seasoned observers off guard. The sheer scale and creativity of these protests have punctured the illusion of meritocracy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government had carefully cultivated for over a decade.

At its core, this is not just a protest against corruption or bureaucratic inefficiency; it’s a deep-seated rebellion against the myth of meritocracy that has dominated India’s education system and national discourse. For years, Indian families have been sold on the idea that their children can succeed through hard work and dedication alone, without questioning the broader structural issues plaguing the country.

The data on youth unemployment is stark: over 40% of university graduates under the age of 25 are unemployed. Moreover, half of grade five students cannot read beyond a second-grade level. The examination system, touted as a meritocratic pathway to success, has become a rigged game where private coaching and nepotism hold sway.

The satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), born on Instagram, cleverly subverted the dominant discourse by embracing the slur hurled by India’s chief justice, Abhijeet Dipke. This allowed the protesters to speak directly to the frustrations of millions of young Indians who feel betrayed by a system that promises opportunity but delivers only despair.

Student leaders like Neha Bora showed unwavering commitment to their cause during the protests. Despite government efforts to quell dissent with batons, tear gas, and internet shutdowns, the crowds swelled as the movement gained momentum.

What’s striking about this movement is its democratic character. Unlike past protests, which often pitted Hindu nationalists against Muslim citizens, these demonstrations have brought together students from different backgrounds, united by a shared demand for accountability and responsiveness from the government.

For Modi, who rode to power on promises of “acche din” (good days) nearly a decade ago, this rebellion represents a major challenge. The façade of meritocracy has been pierced, exposing the rotten underbelly of India’s education system and economy. As one protestor’s poster put it, “India’s youth are done with the dictatorship.”

The government’s response – deploying midnight Instagram videos to connect with protesting youth – is little more than a desperate attempt to cling to relevance. Modi has been forced to confront the fact that his core vote base is now questioning the terms of their bargain.

As we watch this drama unfold, it’s worth noting that the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in 2019 also saw students and Muslim community organizations come together to demand secular citizenship. This time around, however, the language has changed: slogans like “Whenever Modi gets scared, he turns to Hindu-Muslim” and “When Hindus and Muslims stand together, what can the fascist do?” have become emblematic of this new era of protest.

The stakes are high. Will Modi’s government finally begin to listen to the demands of India’s youth, or will it continue down a path of authoritarianism and repression? One thing is certain: the illusion of meritocracy has been shattered, and there’s no going back.