The Youthquake in Indian Democracy

India, the world’s largest democracy, is witnessing a major shift in political awareness among

its youth. This change has been termed a “youthquake,” representing the awakening of young

minds who are questioning the old patterns of power and demanding a more transparent and

accountable government. With over 65% of the population below 35, the youth hold the

potential to redefine India’s political landscape. Yet, their participation often remains limited

to voting or social media discussions. This article studies the challenges and opportunities of

youth involvement in Indian politics based on recent editorials that explore this growing

movement of change.

The political history of India shows that youth have always played a role in shaping the

nation — from the freedom struggle to modern activism. However, their engagement has

been inconsistent. In Siddipta Sengupta’s “Young, Restless & Political” (The Times of India),

the author highlights how Indian youth are frustrated with unemployment, corruption, and the

slow pace of reforms. Despite having the power to influence elections, many young people

feel alienated from politics due to lack of trust and limited opportunities for leadership. The

background of this issue lies in the gap between a young population and an ageing leadership

that struggles to connect with their concerns. With issues like job scarcity and rising

education costs, political interest is growing — but so is disillusionment.

The perspectives shared in different newspapers reveal two sides of this phenomenon. On one

hand, the Common Cause editorial “Top 5 Reasons Voting Age Should Be 16” argues that

political awareness among teenagers is increasing and early engagement could strengthen

democracy. On the other hand, LiveMint’s “Involvement in Electoral Politics” points out that

while many youth are active on social media, very few join political parties or run for local

offices. India Today’s article “Do the Youth Vote?” further questions whether young citizens

are turning up at the ballot box in the same numbers as they express themselves online. These

diverse perspectives show that although the youthquake is real, it still needs stronger

foundations in active political participation.

India’s youth form nearly 65% of the total population, and more than 45% of voters are under

35. According to the Election Commission of India, about 15 million new voters were

registered in the 18–19 age group during the 2024 general elections. Yet, Kaushiky Deka

from CSDS-Lokniti, in his article “Youth and Political Engagement in India,” reveals that

only a small number of young leaders hold positions of power in Parliament or state

assemblies. Data from national surveys show that while awareness among youth is high,

consistent political engagement beyond voting is still low. This mismatch between

demographic power and political representation forms the heart of India’s democratic

dilemma.

The main argument across all these editorials is that India cannot progress without including

its youth in decision-making. The articles stress that young people bring innovation, energy,

and integrity to politics — qualities essential for fighting corruption and inefficiency.

However, challenges such as the dominance of dynastic politics, lack of political education,

and economic inequality limit their participation. LiveMint argues that most political parties

engage youth during campaigns but rarely give them roles in shaping policy. The Times of

India article adds that the system often discourages fresh candidates who lack wealth or

connections. Therefore, political reforms that ensure transparency, internal democracy within

parties, and youth training programs are urgently needed.

In my opinion, this youthquake is a necessary and hopeful revolution. As a young citizen, I

believe that the youth should not remain passive observers but become active participants in

shaping India’s future. The combination of education, technology, and awareness has given us

tools to question wrong practices and push for better governance. While many of my

generation express opinions online, true change will come only when we step into political

spaces — contest elections, volunteer in campaigns, and engage in civic issues. The

government and institutions must also support this by introducing civic education and

leadership training in schools and colleges. If the youth channel their restlessness into

constructive politics, they can bring integrity and progress to Indian democracy.

The youthquake in Indian democracy represents both a challenge and an opportunity. The

challenge lies in bridging the gap between potential and participation, while the opportunity

lies in creating a system that welcomes young leaders. The voices of the youth are strong,

diverse, and full of ideas for reform. If India truly wants to become a developed and inclusive

nation, it must give space to these voices. The future of democracy depends on how we

involve our young citizens today. A democracy that listens to its youth is a democracy that

lasts.

References :

1. Sengupta, Siddipta. “Young, Restless & Political.” The Times of India.

2. “Top 5 Reasons Voting Age Should Be 16.” Common Cause Editorial Team.

3. “Involvement in Electoral Politics.” LiveMint Political Desk.

4. “Do the Youth Vote?” India Today Research Desk.

5. Deka, Kaushiky. “Youth and Political Engagement in India.” CSDS–Lokniti / India Today.