Gen Z, Democracy and the Changing Political Landscape: In Conversation with Prof. Vikas Sharma

Abstract

In this interview, literary luminary, novelist, academic and literary scholar, Prof. Vikas Sharma shares with readers the dreams, disillusionment and political awareness of the present day Indian society, the now widely recognized Generation Z. It comes at a time when there are protests by the youth in recent times over examination malpractices, paper leakage, lack of employment and delayed accountability of institutional management and educational reforms which formed the basis of discussion. Prof Sharma highlights the right of young people to challenge the institutions, but warns that any protest requires responsibility, a valid explanation, democratic practices and responsible leaders. In a tribute to the movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan and anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare, he sees the challenges and struggles in converting people power into institutional and political transformation. The interview also discusses political discourse, parliamentary disturbances, freedom of expression, interaction between a leader and dissenters, and being dignified in public life. The conversation is extended to youth politics with discussions about the RSS, historical scholarship, delimitation, public trust and institutional responsibility. The interview also seeks to bridge these modern issues with Prof. Sharma's literary presence relating to social and political realities, specifically his novel, All Her Fires. The discussion as a whole suggests that the three themes of protest, accountability, intellectual involvement, and responsible, democratic discourse are related aspects of contemporary citizenship.