History of the 'Andolan'

A few weeks ago, while replying to the motion of thanks to the President’s address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used a term ‘Andolan Jeevi’. His term came in response to the farmers protesting the three farm laws. Terming the “new breed” of agitators “andolan jeevi”, he hit out at those who were fuelling it and said the nation should guard against them.

But apart from the remarks, comments and buzz on social media about ‘Andolan Jeevi’, the fact is Indian Democracy has survived and thrived on movements or ‘Andolans’. Here are 2 prominent ones:

1857 Uprising: Regarded as India’s First War of Independence, the Revolt of 1857 which began at Meerut on 10th May that year, was a prolonged period of uprising against the British domination of the Indian Subcontinent. It was one of the first organised protests. Though it initially began as a revolt of the sepoys of the British East India Company, it spread to the common masses. This unprecedented event in India’s history later sowed the seeds of India’s Independence movement.

Navnirman Andolan: Initially begun as a movement against corruption in Gujarat in 1974, the Andolan was led by students across the state. The spark was lit in December, 1973, when students of L.D. College of Engineering, Ahmedabad protested against a hike of hostel fees. Later, a similar type of protest erupted in Gujarat University which led to clashes. Protests spread across the whole of Gujarat in the days ahead. The Andolan eventually led to the resignation of then Chief Minister Chimanbhai Patel. The Andolan was representative of the people’s power to change the government.

Protests have been an integral part of India’s history and will always be.