STUDENTS' PROTESTS

Students in India have consistently mobilised themselves against injustice, inequality, and policies perceived as detrimental to public welfare. They have used their collective voice and activism to challenge authority, and shape public discourse, and advocate for social and political change throughout the country’s history,

- KAUSHAL VERMA

The history of student protests in India is rich and multifaceted, spanning various socio-political movements and reflecting the evolving aspirations and concerns of the youth.

Throughout these phases, students in India have consistently demonstrated their role as agents of change and guardians of democratic values. They have used various forms of protest including strikes, rallies, sit-ins, and social media campaigns to raise awareness, challenge authority, and push for social justice, highlighting their significant impact on Indian society and politics.

Here's an overview of the key phases and movements in the history of student protests in India:

PRE-INDEPENDENCE ERA (LATE 19TH CENTURY-1947):

Role in Freedom Struggle: Students played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Organizations like the Indian National Congress (INC) and All India Students' Conference (AISC) mobilized students for boycotts, protests, and civil disobedience movements.

Partition and Communal Harmony: Post-Partition, students protested against communal violence and advocated for communal harmony and refugee rehabilitation.

POST-INDEPENDENCE (1947-1960s):

Language Movements: States like Tamil Nadu (AntiHindi agitation), Karnataka (Gokak agitation for Kannada language), and West Bengal (Bengali Language Movement) witnessed student-led protests for linguistic rights and against language imposition.

Social Justice Movements:

Dalit students' movements emerged, demanding equality and rights for marginalized communities. The first major Dalit student organization, the Dalit Panther Movement, was formed in Maharashtra.

Anti-Imperialism and Socialism: