Youth protests have weakened Modi, Indian activist who went on hunger strike tells BBC
The "cockroach" movement was one of the biggest public displays of dissent against India's prime minister in years.
Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk, who went on a 26-day hunger strike, claims the recent youth protests have significantly weakened Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, the BBC reports. Wangchuk's fast, which galvanized the movement, followed mass demonstrations that led to the resignation of the education minister on July 25.
Young people now feel more empowered to effect change, Wangchuk explains. The protest movement, named after a chief justice's criticism of unemployed young people, mounted one of the biggest displays of dissent against Modi's government, which has been in power since 2014. Wangchuk fasted in Delhi's heat, regaining six of the 11kg he lost.
The protests escalated into anti-government demonstrations following exam paper leaks. Modi has since announced fast-track courts and appointed a tech billionaire to reform the examination system. However, graduate unemployment remains high at 35-40% for the past 25 years. Wangchuk argues that fundamental education reform is needed, suggesting exams should focus more on hands-on experience and aptitude.
Despite government defenses of its handling of the economy, Wangchuk insists change is in the air in India. If the government doesn't listen, Wangchuk warns of future protests.
Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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