Godi-media has also conditioned us
We have been living through times that, if the Godi-media is to be believed, come closest to what Ramrajya must have looked like. The alleged siphoning of funds in Ayodhya may have dented that narrative (though that’s a story for another blog!). The Godi-media has also conditioned us to believe that history remembers the loudest salute. No wonder prime-time television has degenerated into little more than a nightly shouting match. Here each entertainer (that may be a little too harsh but what the hell) is trying to show that they are more loyal to the regime than the others.
In such times, swimming against the tide demands courage. Yet, every once in a while, someone does. Take a close look at the photograph. It immortalises the one man who refused to raise his arm in that famous image – widely believed to be August Landmesser, choosing conscience over conformity. Every era produces its own version of that moment. Delhi witnessed one recently. As much of the political class marched in lockstep, many young voices chose dissent over convenience. Whether through the irreverent symbolism of CJP or the determined gatherings at Jantar Mantar, Gen Z among others reminded us that democracy survives not because everyone agrees, but because someone still has the courage to remain standing when the crowd demands surrender.
Sonam Wangchuk, Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das, Vijeta Dahiya, Ashutosh Ranka, Nera Bora, Adarsh Saji, Aishe Ghosh, and countless others displayed remarkable courage, conviction, and resilience through their peaceful protests. India had rarely seen a movement quite like this. The stand-off with the government played out not just on the streets, but across social media, where memes and reels became instruments of dissent. Humour did what anger often cannot – it travelled farther, faster, and struck deeper. While the government’s aura of invincibility took a visible hit, the Godi-media became collateral damage, repeatedly finding itself at the receiving end of public ridicule. If you missed the spectacle, here’s the exchange that turned one reel into a viral sensation:
Journo to a Protestor: Isn’t this movement funded by foreign powers or even enemies of our nation?
Protestor: Yes, of course. I got Rs 40 from Pakistan to take the metro to CP. From there I took a rickshaw for which I got Rs 20 from United States. Now to get back home – I will appeal to Nepal to send me the return fare!
Then came another gem from Patna. As the police prepared to disperse the crowd, a protestor cheerfully asked, “Tear gas ki vyavastha nahi hai? Water cannon le aaiye na… kachu rain dance kar lete!” (No arrangements for tear gas? Bring the water cannons instead – we’ll have ourselves a little rain dance.) The narrative had slipped out of official hands. In the end, the government that prides itself on never blinking was compelled to concede to the students’ legitimate demands.
One organisation, however, must be praying these protests are forgotten as quickly as possible and that’s the Delhi Police. Its handling of the peaceful march towards Parliament, and the manner in which the widely respected Sonam Wangchuk was physically removed from Jantar Mantar, left much to be desired (And that’s being charitable!). The irony is delicious – the Delhi Police proudly carries the motto Shanti, Sewa, Nyaya meaning Peace, Service and Justice. During these protests, Dilliwalahs were left wondering which of the three had actually reported for duty.
As students scrambled for shelter from baton-wielding policemen, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib opened its doors, offering food, refuge and dignity to those in need. New-age coffee chain Blue Tokai’s outlet stepped in with first-aid kits and other essentials for the injured. Several other establishments across Delhi quietly did what they could for the protesters camped at Jantar Mantar. That is Delhi at its finest. No hashtags. No chest-thumping. Just ordinary people and organisations doing what needed to be done. Which brings us back to the Delhi Police’s motto – Shanti, Sewa, Nyaya. During those days, it was Dilliwalahs, not the force sworn to protect it, that seemed to understand the meaning of Shanti and Sewa.
StateOfDelhi Suggests: Do spend some time scrolling through the reels and memes created by protesters from across the country. The wit, timing and creativity of Gen Z are a masterclass in political satire. Perhaps that laughter was what kept the movement spirited, resilient and alive. Then you’ll inevitably stumble upon politicians attempting to imitate Gen Z, borrowing its slang and mimicking its style. Those clips are even funnier. Nothing is more entertaining than power trying desperately to look cool. Vasteguna Huiya!
Jantar Mantar featured in our earlier blog too: https://stateofdelhi.in/national-injustice-and-jantar-mantar/