India’s Gen-Z protesters demand a proper education

July 23, 2026 - 00:06

Delhi is witnessing its largest wave of protests in years, and the faces behind the movement are overwhelmingly young. Thousands of students and recent graduates, many belonging to Generation Z, have flooded the streets to demand a complete overhaul of the country's education system. Their core complaint is that the current system fails to prepare them for real life, focusing instead on rote memorization and outdated curricula.

The demonstrations have been met with a heavy-handed response from authorities. Police have deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds, and reports of detentions have been widespread. Protesters argue that the government is treating their legitimate demands as a law and order problem rather than a serious social issue. They point to sky-high unemployment rates among educated youth and a skills gap that leaves them unemployable.

"We are not asking for freebies. We are asking for the right to learn something that actually matters," said one 21-year-old protester. The movement has gained momentum through social media, bypassing traditional political channels. For now, the streets of Delhi remain tense, with the young protesters vowing to stay until their voices are heard, even as the state cracks down on their gatherings.