Why India's Gen Z Remains Quiet Amid Regional Protests

While Gen Z protests have recently shaken Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, India has remained largely quiet. This regional divergence has become a focal point for analysis, as youth movements across South Asia demand political change and accountability.

In India, the absence of similar mass mobilization among young people stands out. To understand this phenomenon, a discussion was held in a Delhi coffee-house, bringing together young Indians to debate power, politics, and the future of their nation. The conversation aimed to uncover why India's youth have not joined the wave of protests seen in neighboring countries.

Across South Asia, a distinct pattern of political engagement has emerged over recent years. Gen Z activists have taken to the streets in significant numbers, challenging established political orders and demanding reform. This movement has been particularly visible in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

The protests in these nations share common characteristics, including the use of social media for organization and a focus on issues such as economic stability, corruption, and governance. These movements have successfully altered the political landscape in their respective countries, demonstrating the growing influence of the youth demographic.

In contrast to its neighbors, India has not experienced a comparable wave of Gen Z-led street protests. Despite having one of the world's largest youth populations, the country has seen relative quietude from this demographic in terms of mass political movements.

This absence of large-scale protests raises questions about the specific factors within India that might be influencing political participation. The situation suggests that the drivers of protest seen in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal may not be present in the same way in India, or that Indian youth are utilizing different channels for political expression.

To explore these dynamics, a conversation was organized in a Delhi coffee-house. The discussion brought together young Indians to engage in a debate about the nature of power, the state of politics, and the direction of the country's future.

The dialogue provided a platform for these individuals to articulate their perspectives on why their generation has remained on the sidelines of the protest movements that have defined the political climate in neighboring nations. The exchange of ideas highlighted the complex interplay of factors shaping youth engagement in India.

The discussion in Delhi underscored a significant disconnect between the protest fervor in the wider region and the political climate in India. While the region grapples with a youth-driven political awakening, India's younger citizens appear to be navigating their political identity through different means.

The reasons for this divergence remain a subject of debate. Whether it is due to differing economic conditions, political structures, or cultural factors, the fact remains that India's Gen Z has not followed the protest trajectory of its South Asian neighbors.