Global Youth Uprising: What Happened in the Last 7 Days and Why It Matters

Within a week, young people globally have rocked regimes, made history, and delivered a strong message to the world. It is not a fad but a pivot point that Gen Z will not forget as this Global Youth Uprising spread like wildfire, starting in Kathmandu and going all the way to Paris. But what happened and why it is important and how the Indian youths are at the centre of the next great transformation in the world?

The World is Erupting and The Youth is Leading

Nepal: Gen Z Forces a Government to Fall.

A social media ban in Nepal was the catalyst to huge student protests that used city squares as battlefields. With rage about corruption and special treatment of Nepo Kids, the youth organized country wide riots via online platforms- when the internet was shut down. In a historic first, Nepal’s Prime Minister and a number of ministers resigned and allegedly fled the country after confrontations on Thursday that claimed at least 19 lives and with several government buildings largely being gutted down into ashes including the parliament.

France: Students Resurrect the May Spirit

Student marches and building occupations were observed in French universities and high schools, reflecting the long-standing culture in the country of youth-centered demands of justice, climate action, and education reforms. Though not as violent as in Nepal, these protests attracted the attention of different layers of society and rekindled the discussion on democracy and youth authority. 

Serbia: Student Protests

Campus blockades and strikes have brought Serbian universities to their knees for months, with students seeking changes in the education system, governance, and political liberties. This protracted turmoil is placing a huge strain on the academic establishments revealing a long-standing discontent with the status quo.

The United States: An Activist Campus Takeover.

Student activism is on the increase throughout American college campuses, both on climate justice and other international policy criticisms. They have managed to influence university policy and provoke broader social debate, and represent the effectiveness of organised youth action in mature democracies. 

All the protests, though they had their own peculiarities, have one thing in common, young people want their voices to be heard and to have the right to influence the future. 

What Indian Youth Need to Know: Lessons from the World’s Protesting Generation

1. Gen Z is rewriting the rules

Students organized or amplified almost every protest worldwide through social media- a tool the Indian youth have weaponized during protests such as anti-CAA and climate strikes.

The Gen z Revolution in Nepal demonstrates how strong and dangerous digital activism can be, as social media can bring together voices, but governments can also attempt to suppress opposing voices by blocking access.

2. Activism by students leads to actual change

In Nepal, resignations on the top-most level demonstrate the relevance of youth-led action across the country. In foreign countries, marches by students have even compelled governments to re-examine laws, initiate inquiries or even resign.

In France and beyond, protests by youth and students have triggered international discussions about inequality, environment and democracy. 

3. India is being watched, and youth in India must watch the world.

Youth activism is not a new term in India, as we have seen in the anti-corruption movement of Anna Hazare, and the Nirbhaya movement that transformed laws.

With the world outcrying in the streets, Indian Gen Z will be able to learn, not only how to bring positive change in a peaceful manner, but also the value of resiliency under crackdowns.

What Will this Mean to the Future of India?

• The Capable and Knowledgeable Youth: By exposing them to youth movements around the world, Indian students will have an added voice of strength as they will be made aware of their rights and methods of acting together.
• Digital Activism Caution: The tragedy of Nepal teaches us that digital protests may become perilous, and it is crucial that the youth in India is competent, tactical, and remain secure.
• Global Solidarity: These protests are new models of fear and caution as young Indians seek meaningful civic jobs. 

How Will This Shape India’s Future?

Each international demonstration is a lesson. The current generation-driven acts, resignations, and online movements demonstrate how a generation can be so powerful together. These stories can be used to make Indian students take positive action, in a peaceful, legal, and sure that their voices will be heard, both locally and internationally.

Want to become a changemaker? Youth all over the world have proved that it is possible to be…What then follows may begin with you. Because this unseriously serious generation is setting new rules for a better future.