Cockroach Janta Party protest: Rhiya Ahir becomes the face of Gen Z movement

August 15-18, 1969, the venue: Yasgur’s farm in Bethel, New York. More than 500,000 young people attended the Woodstock Music and Art Fair. Woodstock was a celebration of music and peace. But it was much more. The young opposed the Vietnam War. The festival also embodied values associated with the counterculture, such as peace, community, non-violence and skepticism toward established authority. Was there a face to Woodstock? Was there a defining moment? Many will say no. Others will argue it was Jimi Hendrix’s electric version of the American anthem Star Spangled Banner that became one of the festival’s defining moments. Still others will argue it was Carlos Santana’s Soul Sacrifice. A 20-year-old drummer Michael Shrieve sat behind the drums and unleashed one of the greatest solos in rock history. It will always be remembered as one of rock’s most powerful moments. Young people believing in a cause. A 27-year-old girl in Mumbai, Rhiya Ahir, today, has become one of the defining faces of youth protests spreading across India. Her image, standing in front of a police bus filled with young protesters, is both a symbol of raw courage of the youth and that they will stand up for what they believe is right in the face of injustice and cruelty. It has become one of the most powerful moments of the protests. It is a moment of conviction, of belief in a cause. Rhiya proudly says she belongs to Gen Z. And that she will stand up for what is right. The students were illegally detained and she was not going to be a bystander to police-high-handedness. So, what is bothering Gen Z and the young of India? The Indian Chief Justice Surya Kant has described unemployed youth as cockroaches. Soon a satirical movement was born after Abhijeet Dipke, an Indian political communications strategist, floated his online satirical movement, the Cockroach Janta Party. Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk, who recently ended a 26-day hunger strike, galvanised the youth movement that's become one of India’s largest protests in recent times. The protests began more than a month ago, demanding education reforms after alleged leaks in some of the country’s most competitive entrance exams. Twenty students died by suicide because of these leaks. There is also public anger over unemployment, government accountability and economic opportunity. The young, bolstered by parents and professionals, have vowed to protest until the education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. India is witnessing the power of the youth with conviction. Gen Z are being seen in a different light. But Gen Z protests are not a recent phenomenon. They protested in Sri Lanka in 2022 because of the severe economic crisis, with shortages of fuel, food, medicine and electricity. Inflation was high and they were angry over government mismanagement of the economy. In Nepal too, in 2025, Gen Z initially protested against the government's decision to block several major social media platforms after new registration rules were introduced. The ban was viewed as an attempt to silence criticism. The protests spiralled to highlight perceived corruption, limited economic opportunities, youth unemployment and that political leaders had failed to deliver reforms. Other countries such as Bangladesh, the Philippines, Indonesia and Kenya have seen Gen Z protests. But back to India, actors and personalities have backed the peaceful student and youth protests. Parents are worried as their children are beaten and teargassed by police. There are images of police throwing stones at the young men and women. What has come as a shock to the system of many is that popular opinion believed Gen Z were happy with the status quo; the current dispensation had charmed them to believe in the system and its virtues; that the youth led by an able administration were headed toward more greatness and glory. Today what we are seeing in India, is in fact, an eye-opener because until a month ago, all was quiet and peaceful. There was contentment. And then came the Gen Z Brigade, armed with questions and convictions. They have stirred the conscience that perhaps turned a blind eye to matters that could not be cured and would have to be endured. Gen Z have shown that they have the courage to change things they can. And they have the wisdom to know the difference. The system will have to now stand up and take notice. And Bob Dylan once sang: Yes, ’n’ how many times can a man turn his head Pretending he just doesn’t see? The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind The answer is blowin’ in the wind. --- Meher Murshed is Managing Editor of Emirates 24/7