What Gen Z Taught Us Today

Lessons from the Jantar Mantar Protest

Just borrowing the words of the great writer and Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy, who said, “I have started to love my India once again.”

Truly, that was what even I felt over the past few days. A resurgent India that was reeling under immense discomfort over the past few years has just found a fresh lease of life.

We needed this. A movement, I would say, rather than a protest. In a democracy, we have every right to be heard. And when your motive is good, it deserves to be heard. It can neither be silenced nor stopped.

Like the Bollywood legend Shabana Azmi said, “Dissent and discussions are not disrespect.” Not every protest is bad, and this one was good—a profoundly human one.

This protest gave me the chance to see who really cares for this country: those with spine and those without. I waited for a few of my cherished Bollywood stars and celebrities, but none turned up. It made it easy for me to separate the wheat from the chaff.

This was a litmus test for all.

1. The Message of Resilience

Yes, when these young students faced the odds, they had nothing in hand. Nothing. Not even money, power, powerful influencers to back them, or food. It was just their resilience that found success.

This proves that you don’t need money, power, or muscle-flexing to win.

Yes, they had to go through a lot of hardship, but it was worth it after they had been suffocating for many months.

2. This Became the Venue for Many to Vent Their Feelings

It was so heartwarming to see people throng in hundreds to stand united in their fight against injustice.

All their clogged-up emotions from the past few years came out in the form of tears, slogans, strength to face the batons, and so much courage.

3. The Van-Woman Moment Will Remain Etched for Generations to Come

Yes, as many noted, it reminded us of that Tank Man moment.

Here, a young lady dared to stand between the police van and the future of the youngsters of this country.

That’s the Gen Z of this country.

They are the strength and hope of this country.

Generations will draw strength from this protest.

4. It Was Not a Protest; It Was a Plea to Be Heard

At no point did I feel like it was a protest until the police started ruthlessly being brutal with the unarmed poor students.

They had to run for their lives.

The bloodstains and the tears will never go in vain.

They only had a few genuine requests, which had to be accepted without delay.

5. That Delay Gave Me a Chance to Witness the Gen Z of This Country

Oh my goodness! The spirit of this young generation is beyond words.

As someone said, they are not Gen Z but rather Gen Zeal.

The courage to question the system, the courage to fight for your friends, the courage to fight for yourself, and the courage to stand for the best of your country; that’s what makes it beautiful.

The scene of a young girl in tears asking a policewoman, “What if it was your daughter?” will remain etched in my heart.

The scene of a man being taken forcefully by the police, followed by his wife and toddler, where the parents were pleading not to arrest him in front of the child, will remain in the hearts of the people.

It was heartwarming to see them clean the streets themselves. It reassured us that they have a strong sense of civic responsibility.

At one point, I wished I could join them.

I could only contribute money via online payment. My bit for the noble cause.

6. A Movement That Started with the Poor

It started with the hapless poor students, but then people from all parts of the country joined in.

That’s what a real movement can do.

You don’t need big publications or media houses to back you.

It’s the kind-hearted people who sent food, water, sanitary pads, and money that made this even better.

Think of the girls who courageously took part, no matter what their bodily weaknesses might have been.

The videos of people sleeping under the open sky across the vast Jantar Mantar were awakening.

Some were trying to chase away mosquitoes, while others were in deep sleep after a tiring day.

India witnessed a big movement.

A movement that will be remembered for generations to come.

They didn’t even have the backing of the judiciary, which is supposed to be the support for the poor who go unheard.

7. I Got to See My India Again

Oh man, the sight of an imam alongside a Hindu sanyasi, hugging and interacting with students.

The Christian priests leading a march to the venue, and the sight of Sikhs who generously served food and fought alongside the protesters, will remain etched in our hearts.

This is true India.

8. Fun Facts from the Protest

It was a chance to see the creative and humorous side of the youngsters.

They were distributing Melody chocolates, drawing pictures, making placards and slogans, and sharing messages that brought smiles to our faces.

All this while they were fasting, being beaten up, and being ignored.

India has a great future with them. They will make India great again.

Today, I go to sleep with a heart full of happiness and contentment that those poor students won in the end.

9. Democracy Survived

For a moment, I thought this was the final nail in the coffin because the protesters were attacked, dragged away, and detained in jails.

They were given no support except for a few celebrities who came, spent valuable time with them, and gave them moral support.

But the Gen Z didn’t give up.

They stood like the Great Indian Tiger and took all the blows, lashes, beatings, and tear gas.

Through them, this democracy will remain intact.

This country is for all.

No one can write off the poor or the marginalized.

In fact, democracy survived.