An Indian activist who went on a hunger strike says recent youth-led protests have significantly weakened Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sonam Wangchuk stated that the demonstrations have boosted young people's confidence to challenge the government, particularly regarding education reform and unemployment.
The protests and the activist's hunger strike highlight deep-seated issues of youth unemployment and dissatisfaction with the education system in India, potentially impacting the political standing of Prime Minister Modi's government.
Leading Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has stated that recent youth-led protests have significantly weakened Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Wangchuk, an engineer and education specialist, recently concluded a 26-day hunger strike in Delhi that aimed to draw attention to issues like exam paper leaks and high graduate unemployment.
Speaking to the BBC, the 59-year-old activist said the mass demonstrations have instilled greater confidence in young people, making them feel empowered to seek change rather than passively accept circumstances. The movement, which adopted the name 'Cockroach' after a remark by India's chief justice, has been one of the largest displays of dissent against Modi's administration since it came to power in 2014.
The protests gained momentum following the leak of examination papers, leading to widespread public anger. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on July 25, the day after Wangchuk ended his hunger strike. The government also committed to compensating families of students who died by suicide after the exam leaks. However, Wangchuk argues that India's underlying problems, particularly graduate unemployment which has remained high for decades, require fundamental educational reform.
Wangchuk advocates for an education system that prioritizes hands-on experience and aptitude over multiple-choice questions, suggesting this could better address the country's jobs crisis. He believes that changing teaching methods can help ensure young people are not left unemployed and that sectors needing workers are adequately supplied. Despite facing forced removal to a hospital during his fast, Wangchuk expressed optimism about progress and believes the government's delayed response to the crisis has damaged its standing, allowing youth movements to gain strength and unity.