Take It Easy, Gen-Z!

 

 

SUDDENLY, Gen-Z has become the most common term in discussions and debates around the world after the turmoil their anger caused in the tiny Nepal. This generation, born between 1997 and 2012, has shown tremendous unity for a common cause in various countries, resulting in an unprecedented tumult. The change of government in just 60 hours in Nepal was engineered by an uprising of youngsters over a controversial social media ban, or so it was portrayed. Several factors were responsible for the upheaval in Nepal but it underscored the impatience and frustration among youngsters over the culture of entitlement. Gen-Z has brought lessons for all, every country. But there is also a major lesson for the generation itself in the recent developments – Read the fine print before taking a plunge. All student movements in the history of mankind have remained a consummation of pent-up anger against the established systems, lack of opportunities and neglect towards their ambitions.

 

Even a small trigger is enough to turn the tinderbox into a giant flame, devouring monarchs, leaders and governments. The Nepal case was a microcosm of all what is happening in the modern society as youngsters found strength via new-age technology and transformed it into a massive movement. It was seething anger boiling beneath the fragile surface which Nepal’s revolving-door governments took as a solid foundation to carry on their agenda. Within hours, the surface was cracked open and installed Gen-Z as the future decision-makers of the Himalayan nation. The alarm bells have sounded loud. The Nepal outrage bears an uncanny resemblance with recent developments in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Students and youngsters were at the forefront in the demonstrations seeking to uproot governments which, they perceived, had been too oppressive and muzzled their rights.

 

That all such developments are taking place frequently and at a rapid pace in India’s immediate neighbourhood makes it all the more interesting even as the Indian leadership keeps fighting an intense battle on the geopolitical chessboard. A disturbed neighbourhood caught in a precarious situation is always extra pressure for India. This leaves room for doubts about the involvement of external factors in the latest developments in the Asian region. Conspiracy theories apart, the Gen-Z protests have found echo in India with a section living in a perennial denial mode, envisaging similar demonstrations here. It is, indeed, wishful thinking, exposing the grim mindset of some people who revel in the idea of anarchy and arson with the sole aim of settling their ideological battle. But the fact remains that India is far better placed in the current situation even as many countries in the neighbourhood struggle due to their flawed policies and wrong leanings. This fact has to inform the opinion of Gen-Z in India as their impatience can be targeted in a structured plan by forces working against the country’s growing stature in the world. Anthropologists believe that the Gen-Z has always been, for all good reasons, an impatient generation. This generation wants progress much faster.

 

Their eagerness is reflected in boarding a trending hashtag in a jiffy on social media and turning it into a rage. The last few years have seen random issues jumping the hashtag queues on social media and adorning top position in no time. They can make algorithms follow suit by remaining well within the confines of social media rules. In the Nepal case, the bright students used 300 small sentences and posted it on X (formerly Twitter) at regular intervals. Their hashtag “RestoreOurVoice” became the number one trend in the world within 45 minutes. The online battle served as a catalyst, mobilising people on the streets within no time and the rest is history. This is the power of Gen-Z. The way forward for India is to channel this power into a meaningful force. The talk of using demographic dividend now needs a serious translation into action.

 

The young population has many aspirations and ambitions. New-age technology is fuelling their dreams of living in a prosperous surrounding. The idea might sound utopian but it has also led to a growing unease about the daily setbacks one has to endure due to palpable indifference of the powers-that-be. This anger cannot be allowed to grow into a long-term frustration, for, it clouds logical thinking. These are the vulnerable moments at which the “influencers” can strike. The fragility of social media space is a double-edged sword. It can peddle narratives based on imaginary facts and it can also help in giving the right perspective to youngsters with the use of modern technology. Fortunately, in India the young generation is still rooted in the age-old idea of giving a second-look to things on offer.

 

It is the cultural strength of the country which is binding generations together. The strength must now be turned into a potent shield from the fake narratives trying to divide the country. It calls for a dialogue, consistent engagement with youngsters through schools, colleges, universities and institutions. It also calls for a dispassionate view of the ideas floated by a Young India instead of mocking at their zealousness. The option is to engage with the Gen-Z with increased frequency and make them part of the responsibility of building a society of their dreams. Making them an equal stakeholder, heeding to their voices is absolutely essential. It can be in their own lingo with stress on modern realities. The engagement cannot be out of fear but to ensure that the young Indians have the willing ears who listen to their voices. The Gen-Z just needs to take it easy, and read the fine print.