From Tamil Nadu to Jantar Mantar: Five student movements that changed India's politics and education forever

Student movements have repeatedly shaped India’s political and educational landscape, often extending their influence far beyond university campuses. This article examines five landmark agitations—from the 1965 Anti-Hindi Agitation and the 1974 Nav Nirman and Bihar movements to the Assam Agitation, Anti-Mandal protests and the 2026 Jantar Mantar education protests. Together, these movements highlight how student activism has driven debates on language, governance, reservations, examinations and democratic participation across generations.