Arundhati Roy: ‘We are being pushed to the wall’
Activist Arundhati Roy discusses the current state of youth protests in India, distinguishing them from historical movements like the JP Movement. She expresses concern over government policies, citizenship laws, and the erosion of democratic rights.
Why it matters
Provides a critical perspective on contemporary Indian social movements and the political climate regarding civil liberties.
Q: What has changed now? How is today’s young India different from before? Is this CJP-student protest akin to the JP Movement of the 1970s in any way?
Arundhati Roy: I think the protest has grown beyond the demands of the students. [Union Education Minister] Dharmendra Pradhan is small potatoes now. These young students have reclaimed what their parents’ generation gave up. India’s dignity. With their grace, courage and humour they have shown us how not to be afraid. It’s a gift. It’s up to us to use it well. And no, I don’t think it’s like JP’s movement at all. It’s its own unique thing, and still a developing story. But I think it’s exhilarating.
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