Kathmandu— In New Delhi, workers recently painted over graffiti near Jantar Mantar observatory following protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) that resulted in the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The slogans scrawled on walls and chanted by protestors – “Azadi!” – represent a significant shift in Indian youth activism, evolving from a term once synonymous with sedition and imprisonment to a powerful anthem challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. This resurgence follows years of crackdowns on student movements and dissent, highlighting a decade-long struggle for freedom of expression within the country.

A Decade of Suppression

Just ten years ago, uttering “Azadi” could lead to arrest and charges of treason in Delhi. In 2016, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) became a focal point when students chanting the slogan were labeled as anti-national by pro-government media outlets following a controversial event discussing capital punishment. Student leaders like Umar Khalid faced sedition charges and intense public scrutiny, with the incident sparking a broader campaign to suppress dissent within Indian universities. Following the suicide of Dalit student Rohith Vemula at Hyderabad Central University, further protests were met with government crackdowns, creating an environment where student activism became increasingly risky.

The Rise of Gen Z Activism

This summer witnessed a new wave of protests sparked by an exam leak scandal and fueled by the online movement initiated by Abhijeet Dipke and his “Cockroach Janta Party.” The campaign, which gained millions of followers on social media, channeled frustration over educational reforms and government inaction. Unlike previous movements, this generation leveraged digital platforms to bypass traditional media outlets often seen as pro-government, creating their own narratives and amplifying their message. This shift allowed them to connect with a wider audience and circumvent attempts to delegitimize their cause.

‘Azadi’ Reclaimed as an Anthem

The slogan ‘Azadi,’ originally popularized in Bollywood film *Gully Boy*, has undergone a transformation, evolving from its cinematic origins to become a central tenet of the current protests. The track, initially inspired by chants for freedom from caste-based hierarchy and right-wing influence, now resonates with demands for educational reform and social justice. Activists note that while the original song’s message was somewhat diluted in the film, the slogan itself has retained its potency as a call for fundamental rights and liberation. Feminist movements in Pakistan and Kashmiri resistance groups also contributed to the evolution of the chant.

A New Playbook for Protest

Experienced protest organizers have quietly equipped this younger generation with strategies honed over years of facing criminalization and marginalization. Student unions like the All India Students Association (AISA) provided crucial support, organizing logistics and amplifying the protesters’ voices. This collaborative effort allowed the movement to gain international prominence while resisting attempts by authorities to label them as anti-national or foreign-funded. The current generation is also breaking traditional molds of activism, utilizing social media and direct language to connect with a broader audience.

The recent protests demonstrate a shift in Indian youth activism, where digital fluency and grassroots organizing are challenging established power structures. While the immediate outcome remains uncertain, the resurgence of ‘Azadi’ as a rallying cry signals a growing demand for freedom of expression and social justice within the country.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.