Saluting the Youth of India for Safeguarding the Unity

by Robancy A. Helen, India

Over the past decade, India has witnessed intense public debate over issues concerning constitutional values, religious freedom, minority rights, and democratic institutions. Since 2014, there have been numerous reports and allegations of violence against religious minorities, particularly Christians and Muslims, and hate speech leading to concerns expressed by civil society groups, human rights defenders, and international observers.

Many laws and policy changes—like anti-conversion laws in some states, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), discussions about the Uniform Civil Code, changes to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, and court decisions about places of worship—have sparked a lot of public debate. Likewise, the ethnic violence in Manipur deeply shocked the nation and raised serious questions about peace, justice, and governance.

Many activists, journalists, academics, and civil society members have increasingly expressed concerns that authorities are labeling dissent as anti-national. Christian organizations have often raised concerns over allegations of forced conversions, while many Muslim communities have spoken against stereotypes linking them with extremism. Human rights defenders have continued to warn about shrinking democratic space.

The killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh in 2017 remains one of the most painful reminders of the risks faced by outspoken voices in India. Similarly, the imprisonment and subsequent death of Jesuit priest and tribal rights activist Father Stan Swamy in 2021, while facing charges under the UAPA, drew widespread national and international concern regarding the treatment of elderly and vulnerable prisoners.

Dr. Radha Krishnan, a BJP leader from Kerala, accused two Jesuit priests from Kerala and Tamil Nadu of being the masterminds behind the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

At a time when many feared that India’s constitutional ideals were under strain, it has been the country’s youth—often criticized as politically indifferent—who have stepped forward to defend democratic values and demand accountability.

India has over 382 million people aged 10–24, the largest youth population globally. According to India’s National Youth Policy, youth are defined as those aged 15–29 years, accounting for about 27% of the population.

Recent student-led protests in New Delhi over the NEET examination and demands for educational reforms have once again demonstrated the power of peaceful civic participation. Students have raised their voices, sought accountability and justice while also calling for reforms in the education system.

Public figures such as Sonam Wangchuk, the engineer, innovator, and education reformer from Ladakh, have also undertaken peaceful protests to draw attention to issues they consider important for the future of India. Neha Bora, a student activist and leader in the All India Students’ Association (AISA), and others undertook 23 days of hunger strike. They are demanding justice for those 96 students who lost their lives, shattering their dreams through NEET. Across India, students and citizens have organized demonstrations, hunger strikes, and peaceful gatherings to express their concerns.

Youth, primarily students demanding accountability over repeated exam paper leaks, who were marching to parliament on July 20, 2026, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, were met with batons, tear gas, and extreme violence by the Delhi police and other paramilitary forces.

The severe pellet gun injuries sustained by a 19-year-old Sahil Lochab, who has lost his vision in one eye, a young journalist from Outlook, and an aspirant to the police services are undeniable proof of the state’s excessive, repressive power.

There were videos documenting policemen and other security personnel sexually harassing female protesters.

We need to appreciate the youth leadership of Abhijeet Dipke, a 30-year-old young man from Pune who started the Cockroach Janta Party and is the public face of the movement, and Saurav Das, chief spokesperson, a 26-year-old investigative journalist who became the principal media representative for the movement for motivating the youth for this noble cause.

The youth have proved their worth and that they are responsible citizens of this country.

Equally inspiring has been the solidarity shown by ordinary citizens. People from different religious and social backgrounds have come together to support peaceful protesters by providing food, water, medical assistance, and moral support. Members of Muslim communities, Sikh gurdwaras, volunteers, and numerous individuals from diverse backgrounds have demonstrated that compassion knows no religious boundaries.

This is the India that countless citizens cherish—an India where people stand together despite differences of religion, caste, language, or region; an India where humanity rises above division; and an India where the Constitution remains the common bond that unites everyone.

As demonstrations spread from Delhi to cities such as Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Patna, and elsewhere, more citizens, student groups, and political parties have expressed solidarity with calls for accountability and democratic rights. Regardless of political opinion, these movements remind us that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and an essential feature of a vibrant democracy.

India’s democracy is strong not just because of its institutions, but also because of its people’s courage. When citizens peacefully defend justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity—the values enshrined in the Constitution—they reaffirm the very spirit of the Republic.

India’s greatest strength has always been its diversity. The Constitution belongs to every citizen, irrespective of religion, caste, language, gender, or political belief. Safeguarding the Constitution is not solely the responsibility of governments; it is a collective duty that falls on all citizens.

The resilience, solidarity, and democratic spirit shown by ordinary Indians deserve recognition and appreciation. Their commitment reminds us that while governments may change, the Constitution remains the enduring foundation of the Republic of India.