Gen Z Protest Ended the Fear of Speaking Up Against Power: AISA chief Bora

The Gen Z movement at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has removed the fear of speaking up and questioning those in power, according to All India Students’ Association (AISA) president Neha Bora.

Addressing a gathering in Nagpur on Thursday, Bora said that for nearly a decade, many people had felt hesitant to openly question the government or raise their voices against those in authority. However, she claimed the recent youth-led movement had begun to change that political atmosphere.

Speaking at a programme titled ‘Resistance - Sab Yaad Rakha Jaaega’ at Vasantrao Deshpande Hall, Bora alleged that people who criticised those in power were often branded “anti-national” or “traitors” to silence dissent.

She referred to 17-year-old student Vedant Shrivastava, who raised concerns about alleged mismanagement by the CBSE on social media and, according to Bora, was subsequently targeted with labels questioning his patriotism. She also said tribal students fighting for their rights were frequently described as “Urban Naxals.”

Bora maintained that the Jantar Mantar protest over the NEET paper leaks, which culminated in the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in July, marked a turning point.

The protest, she said, demonstrated the power of young people to demand accountability and forced the ruling establishment to take their concerns seriously.

Bora, who undertook a 23-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar alongside climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, claimed the BJP had underestimated the growing dissatisfaction among young voters.

She said the government and organisations such as the RSS were now making greater efforts to connect with Gen Z and address their concerns.

In a democracy, Bora argued, people should not fear the government; those in power should instead be answerable to the people.

She also raised concerns over rising unemployment and widening economic inequality, claiming that young people were increasingly demanding accountability, justice and change.

According to Bora, the most significant outcome of the Gen Z movement is simple: people are no longer afraid to speak up.