Youth protests have weakened Modi, Indian activist who went on hunger strike tells BBC

What the report says

BBC World News reports that Indian education activist Sonam Wangchuk says youth-led protests over exam paper leaks and broader education grievances have weakened Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and given young people new confidence. Wangchuk, whose hunger strike helped galvanize the movement, said the demonstrations changed the national mood and showed students they could force a response from leaders.

According to the BBC, the protests were among the biggest displays of dissent against Modi since he took office in 2014. The unrest intensified after anger over leaked exam papers spread into wider anti-government demonstrations. Wangchuk fasted for 26 days in Delhi in June and July, and he said he was later taken to hospitals against his will before ending the strike. The education minister resigned the next day.

The report says the government has since announced fast-track courts for the leak cases, named a technology billionaire to help review the examination system, and offered compensation to families affected by student suicides linked to the leaks. Wangchuk argues the deeper problem is India’s unemployment situation and an education system he считает poorly aligned with the labor market. He says reform is needed so schools better prepare students for future jobs.

The BBC also notes that some protesters have faced court cases, police pressure and online abuse despite a Supreme Court instruction against coercive action in certain cases. Wangchuk, based in Ladakh, said he still believes non-violent protest can push authorities to respond.