Short attention spans, online obsession and political indifference — that was the stereotype often associated with India's Gen Z. But here’s the plot twist: a generation often perceived as disengaged from electoral politics is now standing for hours on the streets, demanding accountability.
This year may well be remembered as a defining moment in India's youth politics. A generation often criticised for being glued to smartphones, chasing viral trends, and consumed by social media suddenly found itself occupying streets across the country.
The movement prompted a government response, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a direct outreach by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the formation of a task force to curb paper leaks.
Police detaining protestors at Shivaji Park during the agitation (Pic/Atul Kamble)
Now that several of their demands have been met, the question is whether this youth moment marks a genuine political awakening or remains a one-time mobilisation triggered by an issue that gained significant momentum through social media.
Will they spend as much time evaluating the performance of their local corporator, MLA, and MP as they do following celebrity gossip, influencer controversies or the latest cricket headlines?
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), nearly 1.80 to 1.85 crore voters were in the crucial 18-19 age bracket during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, the ECI does not publish data showing how many first-time or Gen Z voters actually cast their ballots, making it difficult to assess the electoral participation of this demographic.
Conversations with several young voters in Mumbai also reflect that disconnect. Many admitted that they skipped voting because they believed politics was too "political" for them and they would rather stay away from it. The recent protests, however, suggest that at least some young voters are beginning to engage with politics differently.
‘The protest has awakened the voter inside us’
Oshin Bhatkar, a young protester who works as digital marketing professional in Mumbai, said, "This protest made me realise that being politically aware isn't optional — it's a responsibility. I had never voted before, but the past few weeks have awakened the voter in me. From now on, I'll vote in every election—from the Lok Sabha to the assembly and the municipal elections.”
Oshin Bhatkar (26) (Pic/Special arrangement)
Rehan Bhagchandani (19), a BMS student at a South Mumbai college who also participated in the protest, said, “This protest made me realise that it's far more important to analyse the performance of the politicians contesting elections than spend hours analysing an influencer's style or tracking a movie's box office numbers.”
Rehan Bhagchandani (Pic/Special arrangement)
Sanju Shibu, who works as a professional in a creative agency at Mumbai says, "Showing up for a cause because everyone was and showing up to vote are fundamentally different things. Gen Z didn’t just show up because they cared for the cause, they did, but it was also about peer pressure, wanting to make content, and be out there where everyone else is."
While expressing his views on whether this generation would continue the enthusiasm when it comes to voting, the 27-year-old asserted, "A rough proportion of people will show up to vote. However, if we really want the Gen Z to show up, there has to be similar noise. Otherwise, it may die down. As unfortunate as it is, that’s how it is."
Will Gen Z’s political participation increase? Political observers’ take
Political observers remain divided on how history will remember the current youth movement. While some argue that the participation was driven largely by social media trends and the fear of missing out, others believe it could mark the beginning of a new phase of citizen-led democratic participation.
Ruben Mascarenhas, working president Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Mumbai (Pic/Special arrangement)
Echoing similar sentiments, Ruben Mascarenhas (36), Mumbai Working President of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), said the month-long protest has reignited political consciousness among the country's youth.
"This protest has surely ignited the youth to realise that the government must be questioned and that the ruling party should be held accountable for its actions through peaceful democratic protests," he said.
Speaking about Gen Z's electoral participation, Mascarenhas expressed confidence that the movement would have a lasting impact.
"This protest has surely created a revolution. I believe the youth of this country will now come out to vote and elect their representatives," he said.
On whether political parties would now have to rethink their strategies to appeal to younger voters, Mascarenhas said the shift will be inevitable.
"Political parties will now be under increasing pressure to field younger candidates, because a young India needs young leaders to represent them," Mascarenhas added.
Ashoke Pandit sheds light over Gen-Zs participation in Indian politics
Renowned filmmaker and social activist Ashoke Pandit, known for making films on national issues, said, “The Gen Z-led protest was driven by a legitimate cause, as those involved in the alleged NEET irregularities must be held accountable.”
However, he expressed concern over the conduct of a section of the protesters, stating, “There were some who appeared to have joined the agitation merely because it had become a trend.”
Filmmaker and social activist Ashoke Pandit (Pic/Special arrangement)
"There were videos showing some protesters using abusive language against the Prime Minister and other officials. Some of the placards and posters carried explicit and offensive content," Pandit said.
He added that while peaceful protests are an essential part of democracy, the manner in which people express their dissent also matters.
"You have every right to protest, but the language and behaviour you display reflect your upbringing. It is important to voice criticism responsibly while maintaining dignity," he said.
Real change demands presence on the streets and at polling booths
The protests reminded an entire generation that democracy is not confined to smartphones or social media timelines. Real change demands presence on the streets when necessary and at the polling booth when it matters most.
Massive crowd gathered at Mumbai's Shivaji Park during the agitation (Pic/Atul Kamble)
If the energy witnessed over the past month translates into informed voting, continuous civic participation, and greater scrutiny of elected representatives, India's Gen Z may not simply be remembered as the generation that protested. It could be remembered as a generation that reshaped democratic participation in India.
* This article was originally published here
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