Listen to this article:

From Sri Lanka to Bangladesh, Nepal to Albania and France, young people have been taking to the streets, challenging governments and demanding answers about their future. These movements have emerged from different political circumstances, with distinct immediate triggers. 

Sri Lanka’s 2022 uprising followed an economic collapse marked by shortages of fuel and essential goods, soaring prices and anger over corruption. Bangladesh’s 2024 student movement began against the restoration of quotas in public-sector recruitment before expanding amid unemployment, political exclusion and a violent government crackdown. In Nepal in September 2025, a ban on social media platforms triggered demonstrations fuelled by anger over corruption, nepotism and lack of opportunities. In Albania, protests have focused on corruption and the conduct of political elites, while demonstrations in France have addressed deteriorating public services, education, the cost of living and government policies. The scale, demands and political consequences of these movements differ, but students and young people have been prominent participants.

Indian youth at the forefront 

India’s students and youth have been at the forefront of struggles for people’s causes since the freedom movement. The All India Students’ Federation (AISF), established in 1936, brought students from across the country together in the fight against imperialism. AISF activists such as Kanaklata Barua and Hemu Kalani laid down their lives for the country’s freedom. The freedom struggle thus established a lasting tradition of students and youth participating in struggles for people’s causes. They stood alongside peasants, workers, women and other sections of society whose voices were ignored and rights denied. They were not merely participants in the struggles of their time but future leaders who helped shape the country’s political life. The Left took the lead in student mobilisation because it upheld a strong tradition of debate, discussion and political education, encouraging students to explore ideas and question authority. Many former student leaders went on to serve as prime ministers and chief ministers. The connection between........

© The Wire