In a striking resurgence, the rallying cry of "Azadi" (Freedom) has once again become the defining anthem of youth protests across India, specifically ignited by widespread anger over leaked examination materials. These protests, which saw significant participation from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), ultimately led to the resignation of India’s Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, as reported by Al Jazeera English.
Even after the initial wave of demonstrations subsided, yellow police barriers near the historic Jantar Mantar observatory in New Delhi bore testament to the intensity of the student-led movement. Many of these barriers were adorned with protest slogans and direct references to prominent activists such as Umar Khalid, Sharjil Imam, and Gulfisha. The powerful chant of "Azadi" echoed not only through the Indian capital but also resonated deeply in cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, and Mumbai, underscoring the nationwide reach of the dissent.
The resonance of "Azadi" is not new to the Indian political landscape. Its prior widespread use in 2016 at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, during an event focusing on the death penalty, led to significant repercussions. Student activists involved in those demonstrations faced charges of rioting and subsequent arrests, though some were later released on bail within weeks. This history highlights the charged nature of the slogan and its capacity to mobilize and provoke both support and suppression.
Following the 2016 incidents, producer Dub Sharma ingeniously fused electronic music with the raw energy of the protesters’ chants, creating a powerful musical piece. He later re-imagined this track for the 2019 Bollywood blockbuster Gully Boy, collaborating with renowned rapper Divine, which brought the message to an even wider audience. The contemporary political journey of the "Azadi" slogan, as detailed by Al Jazeera English, traces its roots back to the Pakistani feminist movement of the 1980s. It was also a pivotal cry for the Kashmiri resistance movement, before being adapted by Indian feminist activist Kamla Bhasin for use in a diverse array of social campaigns, demonstrating its adaptable and enduring power.
The most recent CJP campaign was sparked by a series of examination scandals that adversely impacted millions of Indian students. Spearheaded by Boston University graduate Abhijit Dipke, the movement gained significant traction. At the iconic Jantar Mantar site, various student organizations, including the All India Students Association and the Student Federation of India, lent their formidable support. They established a protest camp, maintaining a continuous vigil to occupy the space, and six students even joined activist Sonam Wangchuk’s impactful hunger strike, further amplifying the call for accountability and systemic change.
