Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 26
Indian Diaspora Draws 500 to New York Protest Against Modi as Global Rallies Spread
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 26

Indian Diaspora Draws 500 to New York Protest Against Modi as Global Rallies Spread

2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 26

Summary

  • About 500 people gathered at Union Square on Friday, joining New York protests against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India’s government.
  • Videos of Indian police beating protesters helped draw participants, while anger over education-system problems and scarce job opportunities fueled the demonstrations.
  • Two protests were held in the park last week, with marchers rallying near a Mahatma Gandhi statue and chanting “we will take our freedom” in Hindi.
  • Parallel protests have spread beyond India to cities including Los Angeles, London, Prague, Berlin and Vancouver after tens of thousands of mostly Gen Z and millennial Indians marched this month.
  • The overseas actions were inspired by the satirical Cockroach Janta Party, formed in May by 30-year-old Boston University graduate Abhijeet Dipke.

Insights

Can diaspora protests in New York actually protect Indian students facing severe police crackdowns and internet blackouts back home?
How did a satirical youth movement sparked by a judge's insult force major government resignations in India?
Will global outrage over massive medical exam leaks finally break the Indian ruling party's aura of invincibility?