Sedition to anthem: Many lives of ‘Azadi’ chants in India’s youth protests

A decade after student leaders were jailed for chanting "Azadi" (freedom), the slogan has re-emerged as a powerful anthem in Indian youth protests, challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. In July 2026, protests over an exam leak scandal, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), resulted in the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The "Azadi" chant, popularized by the film Gully Boy, was heard across cities like New Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Mumbai, with young protesters using it to express their demands for freedom. This resurgence contrasts sharply with the situation a decade prior, when similar chants at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) led to sedition charges and arrests for student leaders like Umar Khalid. The article highlights how the "Azadi" slogan's journey reflects the evolving landscape of political dissent and student activism in India under Modi's rule, noting a gradual erosion of space for dissent in public universities.

During India's Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the country has largely suppressed the Maoist-influenced Naxalite armed rebellion that spanned decades. However, he warned that the movement's ideological supporters, referred to as "intellectual Naxals" or "dimagi Naxals," still pose a threat and must be identified and isolated. This rhetoric echoes previous use of the term "urban Naxal" by Modi and his party to label government critics. Modi also highlighted his government's economic achievements and future goals, including developing India into a developed nation by 2047. The Naxalite movement, originating in 1967, fought for the rights of marginalized communities and resulted in significant casualties over the years.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday that his government will offer free online coaching for competitive exams. This initiative comes weeks after widespread youth protests led to the education minister's resignation. Modi stated the program aims to alleviate financial pressures on families within India's highly competitive education system. The announcement was made from the Red Fort in New Delhi during Independence Day celebrations. The government is also reportedly planning AI training initiatives for young people.

On India's 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the decades-long Maoist insurgency is nearing its end, attributing this to his government's security and development policies. However, he warned of a new threat from "dimagi Naxals," or ideological supporters of the movement, who he stated must be identified and isolated. Modi also highlighted initiatives focused on youth development and reiterated his goal of making India a developed nation by 2047. The term "dimagi Naxal" is similar to "urban Naxal," a label previously used by Modi and his party for critics. These remarks come amidst ongoing criticism of the government's actions against civil society and dissent.