As India approaches its 80th Independence Day, I find myself reflecting on a profound shift in our democratic landscape.
The recent student mobilisation at Jantar Mantar was about far more than a protest. It marked the emergence of a generation that refuses to let silence become its language.
For Gen Z, social media is not merely a communication tool—it is a democratic space. They organise, mobilise, document, debate, and challenge narratives in real time. Their voices travel through reels, livestreams, digital communities, and algorithmic networks, often reaching millions without relying on traditional media.
Perhaps the most striking takeaway was this: a movement can now sustain national attention even when mainstream media offers limited coverage. The gatekeepers no longer hold an exclusive monopoly over public discourse.
As someone who has spent more than four decades in journalism and media education, I see this as a historic turning point. We are witnessing not just a technological transition but a transformation in how citizenship is expressed.
As India celebrates 80 years of Independence, a new generation is redefining democratic participation. They are informed, connected, impatient with hierarchy, and determined to shape their own narratives.
They are citizens of India.
They are also citizens of a Digital Republic.
The future of democracy may well depend on how effectively our institutions, media, and political leadership engage with this new reality.
Do you think social media has become India's new public square? Or does mainstream media remain the principal custodian of democratic discourse?
