Gen Z Does Digi Gandhigiri IRL

Millennials and Gen Z are super woke about Gandhian principles of Satya (truth) and Ahimsa (non-violence). From climate chain protests to the recent CJP students’ protest at Jantar Mantar over paper leaks, time and again, the zoomers have reaffirmed the relevance of Gandhian principles in the 21st century.

These new-age digital satyagrahis know that the only way to ‘W’ (Gen Z’s slang for Win) is through non-violence, and honesty in IRL (In Real Life). So, where there was hate, they showed empathy. Dishonesty was countered with honesty – all in real time with a dash of humour.

Modern Satyagrahis

When the police and political goons brutally assaulted the young students with lathis at Jantar Mantar, the students, instead of turning violent, offered them ‘Melody’ sweets. (Yes, the same Melody chocolate that PM Narendra Modi offered to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit to Rome.) The ‘Melodi Moment’ went viral but the juxtaposition was striking. One showed light-hearted political camaraderie. The other showed unarmed students fearlessly absorbing blows. Smiling, unwilling to budge. Raising slogans of “Vande Mataram.”

The youngsters refused to compromise Gandhian principles and dehumanize the movement. It’s no surprise that leading public figures from across the world have called India’s Gen Z as natural inheritors of Gandhiji’s ethos of truth and non-violence.

Power of Peace

Some of the most prominent public protests in recent times like the Farmers’ Protest in Delhi, CJP protests and the Telangana statehood movement among others have embodied Gandhiji’s principles of non-violence. “Rather than viewing Gandhiji’s philosophy solely through a historical perspective, the Gen Zers showed the world how non-violence, truth, dialogue can remove fear and solve the most complex problems even in today’s world,” says Vinita Deshpande, a sociologist, adding, “What a show of strength and true expression of Gandhian principles on the streets of India.”

For most millennials and Gen Zers, who shuffle between social media updates and think delulu is the solulu for all their problems, they are now completely G.O.A.T.E.D. by the power of satya and ahimsa. “An eye for an eye makes the world blind. Wherever there is injustice, corruption and violence, Gandhiji’s teachings of truth and non-violence work,” says Salman Sayeed, a fitness trainer, who wanted to pursue a career in Hotel Management after his HSC. “But I had to give up my dream because my parents could not afford the Rs 4 lakh fees.” Salman, like millions of other Indian youths, wants the government to create more jobs and focus on making education affordable to every youth in the country.

Ishita Kansal (19), a student from Delhi feels that Gen Z have given the traditional idea of truth-force (satyagraha) an online spin with digital dissent, boycotts, and information sharing. Sheshmuni Samdriya, an educated youth from Madhya Pradesh, who was hopeful of getting a government job today works as a security guard in a high-rise in Mumbai. “The lack of opportunities and unemployment is real in rural India. The government has to understand the angst of the youth and address it soon,” he says, adding, “Violence can never be a solution. The reason why today’s youth are sticking to Gandhiji’s values even during protests.”

Soft Power, Big Impact Some sceptics call it ‘soft power’ and ‘theatrics’, but the power of unity, non-violence and a healthy dialogue was obvious at the recent students protests in the country. Political pundits note that Gen Z have revived Gandhian principles of non-violence and peaceful protests in a digital avatar. “Today’s digital satyagrahis are smart and fearless. They are one-step ahead of our shrewd politicians,” quips Kunal Pradhan, a political observer. Actor and activist Dia Mirza was so moved by the recent student gathering at Shivaji Park, Mumbai on July 26, that she took to social media saying: “Gen Z reminded us that we can RISE as ONE. United by LOVE. Free from Fear. RESIST - hate, arrogance, ego, malice. Now and forever.” Dia also shared Gandhiji's famous quotes: “Love is the humblest yet the most powerful force that the human being has.”

On The Right Path

Sheetal Dev, a social observer and mother of two Gen Z kids opines that Gandhi's principles of peace and nonviolence continue to strike a chord with people across all generations, especially Gen Z. “Gandhiji’s teachings of truth and non-violence are eternal,” she says.

Satyagraha is also about self-introspection. Several leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela championed Gandhiji’s principles of truth and non-violence. Gandhiji’s legacy of Satyagraha holds significant promise for future generations, not just in India, but across the world!

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi too sees India's Gen Z as inheritors of Gandhi's twin pillars—truth and non-violence. Gandhi posted a video clip of a conversation with Gen Z, saying: “The energy of India’s Gen Z gives me hope. This generation believes in satya and ahimsa. They carry compassion and courage. They will lead India towards a brighter, more just future. I’m excited to see them step into the political sphere.”

Wherever there is injustice, corruption and violence, Gandhiji’s teachings of truth and non-violence work.”

Salman Sayeed, Gen Z & Fitness trainer

Violence can never be a solution. The reason why today’s youth are sticking to Gandhiji’s values even during protests.”

Sheshmuni Samdriya, Gen Z

Love is the humblest yet the most powerful force that the human being has.”