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By:

Anil D. Salve

21 March 2026 at 2:41:09 pm

Why Generation Z Refuses TO Be Silenced

We often complain that today's youth are difficult to understand. Perhaps the real problem, however, is not Generation Z-it is our inability to communicate with them. Instead of learning how they think, speak, and engage with the world, we often expect them to fit into frameworks created by previous generations. Generation Z is among the most informed, courageous, and globally connected generations in history. Born into the age of the internet and social media, they have grown up with...

Why Generation Z Refuses TO Be Silenced

We often complain that today's youth are difficult to understand. Perhaps the real problem, however, is not Generation Z-it is our inability to communicate with them. Instead of learning how they think, speak, and engage with the world, we often expect them to fit into frameworks created by previous generations. Generation Z is among the most informed, courageous, and globally connected generations in history. Born into the age of the internet and social media, they have grown up with instant access to information and diverse perspectives. They are aware not only of events in India but also of developments across the world-from Iran and the United States to Nigeria, Europe, and beyond. This global exposure has shaped a generation that is confident, informed, and willing to express its opinions. Yet they are frequently judged by outdated standards. Rather than trying to understand their aspirations, their language, and their methods of communication, many continue to measure them by the expectations of an earlier era. This is where the disconnect begins. Generation Z has developed a new language of civic and political expression-one that traditional institutions have often struggled to understand. To engage meaningfully with this generation, we must first learn this new language instead of dismissing it. Recent events have demonstrated how a seemingly simple demand can evolve into a broader movement centred on justice, accountability, freedom, and democratic values. When young people feel unheard or misunderstood, their concerns naturally expand into deeper questions about governance and the systems that shape their lives. This is no longer a phenomenon confined to one city or one state. Across Maharashtra and throughout India, young people are actively participating in conversations about democracy, public policy, and social change. Many who once remained indifferent to politics now believe that governance directly affects their education, employment, rights, and future. One of the greatest mistakes society can make is to underestimate this generation. They are digitally connected, socially aware, and capable of mobilising support within hours. Their movements are often driven not by political parties but by shared experiences, collective concerns, and a strong sense of justice. Unlike previous generations, Generation Z communicates through humour, satire, memes, and social media. These are not merely forms of entertainment; they have become powerful tools for political expression, civic engagement, and questioning authority. History has repeatedly shown that confident leadership welcomes criticism, while insecurity often responds with fear. Perhaps the most striking characteristic of this generation is its refusal to be governed by fear. Earlier generations often remained silent because they feared losing their jobs, facing social consequences, or inviting trouble. Increasingly, Generation Z believes that silence is no longer an acceptable response to injustice. This generation has found its voice, forged its identity, and developed the confidence to participate in public life. It understands that individual well-being cannot be separated from the well-being of society. If injustice is ignored today because it affects someone else, it may eventually affect everyone. India has witnessed numerous social movements throughout its history. What distinguishes many contemporary youth movements is that they are largely youth-led, digitally organised, and focused not only on immediate grievances but also on broader structural reforms rooted in fairness, transparency, accountability, and equal opportunity. Digital platforms have played a transformative role in this process. For Generation Z, social media is far more than a communication tool-it is a platform for building communities, organising campaigns, sharing information, and amplifying voices. Young people no longer feel isolated because they know that thousands of others stand with them, regardless of geographical distance. Equally inspiring is the compassion demonstrated by many young participants in public movements. Reports of volunteers organising food, supporting fellow participants, and even extending assistance to police personnel highlight that these movements are driven not only by resistance but also by empathy, solidarity, and a sense of shared responsibility. Their methods may be modern, but their values remain timeless. The future of India increasingly rests in the hands of a generation that is globally connected, socially conscious, technologically empowered, and unafraid to question injustice. Whether one agrees with every demand they raise or not, one reality is impossible to ignore: Generation Z has found its voice. Instead of attempting to silence, stereotype, or dismiss them, society must choose to listen, engage, and learn. Every generation reshapes the future in its own way. This generation has chosen courage over fear, participation over silence, and hope over indifference. (The writer is the Principal of Podar International School, Ausa, Latur. Views personal.)

A Steady Hand at the Supreme Court’s Helm

Updated: Nov 18, 2024

Sanjiv Khanna

With a judicial career spanning decades and a reputation for pragmatism and independence, Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s ascent to the top job comes at a time when the Indian judiciary is grappling with questions of institutional autonomy, case backlog and the balance of power between the executive and the judiciary.


A scion of a distinguished legal family, Khanna’s legacy is shaped in part by the activism of his late uncle, Justice H.R. Khanna, a towering figure in Indian legal history. H.R. Khanna’s courageous dissent in the infamous ADM Jabalpur case during the Emergency, which upheld the right to life even in the face of arbitrary government action, left an indelible mark on India’s judicial landscape. Justice Sanjiv Khanna, born in 1960, has charted his own course, marked by both continuity and reform.


Khanna’s judicial journey began in the Delhi High Court, where he was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019. In his short tenure on the apex court, he has already presided over several landmark rulings. Notably, he was part of the bench that struck down the controversial electoral bonds scheme, a key plank of the ruling government’s electoral strategy, on the grounds that it threatened transparency in political funding. He also upheld the government’s decision to abrogate Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, a contentious move that was deeply polarizing but affirmed the court’s deference to the political branches in matters of national integrity.


Khanna’s jurisprudence is marked by a steady, no-nonsense approach to constitutional interpretation. He has repeatedly defended the robustness of the Indian electoral system, most recently by affirming the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) against allegations of tampering, while also pushing back against calls to return to paper ballots. His balanced approach to such high-stakes issues has earned him respect across ideological divides.


As Chief Justice, Khanna inherits an institution under considerable pressure. The Supreme Court, which has long been a crucial check on executive power, now faces heightened scrutiny for its role in contentious matters such as electoral integrity and economic reforms. Khanna has already signalled a commitment to greater transparency and efficiency within the court.


Acknowledging the growing demand for urgent hearings, he has called for the curbing of ‘oral mentioning’ - a practice where lawyers bypass formal filing procedures to seek expedited hearings. The system, often abused, has led to long delays and frustrations, with cases sometimes stretching late into the day. Khanna’s attempt to regularize this practice is an early sign of his intent to reform administrative practices without undermining the fundamental principle of judicial independence.


Khanna’s vision for the judiciary is anchored in accessibility and efficiency. In his first remarks as Chief Justice, he emphasized the importance of equal treatment and fair access to justice for all, irrespective of wealth or status. Khanna has made it clear that one of his key priorities will be to ensure that the judicial process is less burdensome and more responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens. His advocacy for mediation and efforts to streamline criminal case management reflect this citizen-centric approach.


Furthermore, Khanna’s tenure as Chief Justice will coincide with key vacancies in the Supreme Court, raising questions about his approach to judicial appointments. The Khanna Collegium, which he now heads, will play a decisive role in selecting new judges.


Khanna’s tenure also promises to be marked by a continued focus on constitutional jurisprudence. As the court grapples with critical issues like the use of the Money Bill route to pass contentious laws such as the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), many will look to Khanna’s leadership in handling such cases. His pragmatism, combined with his deep understanding of constitutional principles, suggests that he may take a measured approach to these thorny issues, always mindful of the need to protect both the letter and the spirit of the Constitution.


As he embarks on his term, which runs until May 2025, much will depend on how effectively he can navigate the tensions between the different branches of government, while ensuring that the Supreme Court remains the ultimate guardian of the country’s constitutional democracy.

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