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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 Yet they are frequently judged by outdated standards.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.)

Justice Yashwant Varma administered oath in clandestine manner, erodes people's trust: Bar Association

  • PTI
  • Apr 5, 2025
  • 3 min read

Prayagraj (UP): Justice Yashwant Varma, who was transferred from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court amid cash-at-home allegations, was administered the oath in a "clandestine" manner on Saturday, the High Court Bar Association (HCBA) here claimed while condemning the move.


The lawyers' body, which had opposed the repatriation of the judge, questioned why "this oath was not notified to the Bar" and alleged that it has once again eroded the trust of people in the judicial system.


An in-house inquiry was ordered by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) after the recovery of "four to five semi-burnt sacks" of Indian currency notes from the residence of Justice Varma following a fire incident last month. Justice Varma has maintained that neither he nor his family was aware of the money.


In a letter dated April 5 addressed to Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court Arun Bhansali, the secretary of HCBA, Allahabad, Vikrant Pandey, contended that "legally and traditionally, the oath administered to Justice Varma is fallacious and unacceptable" and urged the Chief Justice not to assign any administrative and judicial work to the judge.


"The entire Bar Association is at pains to learn about the clandestine manner in which Justice Yashwant Varma has been administered the oath of his office at Allahabad," the letter said.


"In due deference to our remonstration against the repatriation of Justice Yashwant Varma to Allahabad High Court, the Hon'ble CJI had met the members of the Bar and assured that appropriate steps be taken to maintain the dignity of the judicial system," Pandey said.


"We are given to understand that the system is taking every step in a fair and transparent manner, but why this oath is not notified to the Bar, is a question which again eroded the trust of people in the judicial system," he said in the letter.


"We unequivocally condemn the manner in which Justice Yashwant Varma was administered the oath behind our backs," he said.


There was no official word from the high court on the swearing-in of the judge.


The incident of cash recovery has reignited debate over the issue of judicial accountability and there have been calls from various quarters for stringent action in the matter to set a precedent and restore faith in the judiciary.


Pandey said that "subscription to oath has traditionally and continuously been conducted in open court".


"Keeping the lawyer fraternity uninformed may erode their confidence in this institution. We request our Hon'ble Chief Justice to protect the fundamental values and follow the traditions of this institution," he said.


"Also, we have been given to understand that the majority of the Hon'ble Judges were also not invited/informed in the aforesaid. Thus, legally and traditionally, the oath administered to Justice Varma is fallacious/unacceptable.


"We, once again condemn the aforesaid events and request the Hon'ble Chief Justice not to assign any administrative and judicial work to Justice Yashwant Varma," Pandey said in the letter.


Pandey said that the administration of oath to a judge is a quintessential event in the judicial system. "Lawyers being equal stakeholders in the institution, cannot be kept away. The High Court Bar Association passed a resolution saying therein that this oath is against the Constitution of India and therefore, the members of the Association do not want to be associated with unconstitutional oath."


"What we resolved, we spoke openly and not only this, we also sent a copy of resolutions to everybody including your lordship. Thus, we failed to understand as to what is the 'clandestine' in this oath," Pandey said

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