Nepal-Like Gen Z Protest Possible In India? What KTR Told NDTV

The BRS working president was speaking at the NDTV Yuva Conclave event.

Mumbai:

Bharat Rashtra Samithi working president KT Rama Rao has cautioned that India could potentially witness a Nepal-style Gen Z uprising if governments continue to disregard people's aspirations.

During his address at the NDTV Yuva Conclave on Saturday, KTR, as he is popularly known, reflected on the recent Nepal protests, stating, "The Nepal situation was essentially about democracy suppression and silencing Gen Z voices. Initially, media outlets ridiculed the protesters... suggesting they were merely upset about internet disruptions. In reality, they were fighting for their future."

When directly questioned if such demonstrations might emerge in India, he responded, "If governments persist in disappointing them, if they keep failing to meet the aspirations of Indian citizens, why wouldn't it happen? Certainly."

Interestingly, when the same query was presented to the predominantly young audience, many responded negatively, prompting the former Telangana minister to remark, "The night is still young, let's see."

Speaking during a session titled 'Yuva and the Art of Reinvention', KTR highlighted the BRS party's involvement in Telangana's statehood movement before characterizing Gen Z.

"Restless, young, ambitious, bold - that's Gen Z. You truly represent the DIY generation - disruptive, imaginative and absolutely youthful. I believe Telangana itself embodies a Gen Z state," he remarked.

"Gen Z has pioneered digital activism. In Hyderabad, when Telangana's government attempted to sell approximately 400 acres of forest land, Gen Z activists, primarily from Hyderabad Central University, demanded accountability. Eventually, the Supreme Court intervened, and their activism preserved 400 acres of Hyderabad's forest land," he elaborated.

However, KTR emphasized that social media activism alone is insufficient. He urged Gen Z to seize opportunities, noting that while global populations age, India grows younger. He stressed that India cannot afford gradual progress but must "pole vault" forward, requiring not just venture capital but "adventure capital" - an industry willing to take risks. He called on Gen Z to establish "next practices," not merely adopt existing best practices.

'Lost By A Whisker'

Responding to another question, KTR observed that politicians now receive unfiltered feedback through social media, predicting significant political transformation within the next decade.

Addressing his party's defeat to Congress in Telangana after a decade in power, despite BRS's crucial role in the state's formation, Rao suggested that unfulfilled youth aspirations might have contributed.

"We failed to effectively communicate our achievements, while Congress promised extravagant benefits. People believed those promises, and we narrowly lost the election," he concluded.