PM Modi presented a package of initiatives in education and technology to the youth at Rajni-Kille

As August 15 approaches, the air is filled with patriotic fervor: loudspeakers blare, social media users change their avatars, and oaths of freedom are recited in speeches. However, a question arises: does the definition of freedom in today's India align with what we hear annually at the Red Fort?

This is particularly relevant given that a significant portion of the country's population belongs to the generation known globally as Gen-Z. This generation, born between 1997 and 2012, when they hear the word 'freedom,' do not only think about the history of 1947 or empty slogans. For them, freedom holds an extremely practical, personal meaning and is connected to daily life.

Recent observations at Jantar Mantar have provided insight into how Gen-Z thinks and what it is capable of doing. Therefore, when discussing Gen-Z and freedom, various spheres of life must be considered.

Since work culture and the workforce are subjects of active discussion, let us start with this aspect. To understand Gen-Z, one must examine their relationship with work and the office. This generation has decisively rejected the old norms of the corporate world. For them, work is not just a salary deposited into the bank at the end of the month, nor is it 12-hour burnout. They categorically refuse to accept the 'culture of hustle' as their identity.

Even in the office, Gen-Z seeks freedom, which for them means peace of mind, flexibility, and liberation from constant surveillance. Work-life balance is not a bonus for them; it is a prerequisite. If a job does not bring mental satisfaction, they do not hesitate to leave that position.

Moving from the office to home, this generation shows similar openness regarding family and society. The generation of our parents often suppressed their dreams out of fear of societal judgment. However, Gen-Z has set its boundaries. Questions about when and with whom to marry, what career path to take, or whether to have children at all, they decide themselves, rather than following advice from relatives or public opinion. Instead of making 'toxic compromises' in relationships, they choose 'emotional space.'

The greatest asset of Gen-Z is their creativity. Creativity and technology have provided this generation with a power that perhaps no one in history possessed. Artificial intelligence, the internet, and social media have freed them from dependence on large media conglomerates or manufacturing companies. A young person in the villages of Bihar or Rajasthan can create content from their phone that reaches millions of people directly. For them, creative freedom means the ability to express their viewpoint to the world without intermediaries or censorship. This is why modern heroes and influencers differ from those of the past.

A young man from Meerut might consider a YouTuber from Germany his hero, while a guy from a village in Jharkhand might gain worldwide love with his content.

Regarding government and civil rights, Gen-Z cannot be convinced by slogans. For them, freedom is the right to ask questions fearlessly, to live without fear of revealing one's identity, and the existence of a system where there is direct accountability on issues ranging from ecology to employment. Therefore, this generation believes more in actions than in promises.

However, there is a nuance here. We often err by viewing Gen-Z through a single lens. For example, everyone who participated in protests at Jantar Mantar was automatically labeled Gen-Z, and their trendy words were taken as the language of this generation. But it is important to understand that Indian Gen-Z is not a homogenous group. For Gen-Z living in the glossy cafes of Delhi or Mumbai with an iPhone in hand, freedom means the ability to travel alone, become digital nomads, or openly display their gender identity. Their struggle is not for basic needs but for 'lifestyle' and 'self-expression.'

But if the location changes, the situation changes. Look at Gen-Z in Tier 3 cities or in UP, Bihar, or MP villages. For them, the first and last step toward freedom is financial independence. Securing stable employment, escaping cramped living conditions, and breaking free from socio-caste ties—this is what true freedom means to them. As long as there is no money in their pockets and no job in their hands, concepts like mental health or work-life balance remain merely a luxury.

If viewed from a gender perspective, the fight for freedom for girls in rural areas is even more grounded. For them, freedom lies in having the ability to go out after seven in the evening without fear, finishing their education, and protecting themselves from early forced marriage.

Thus, while Gen-Z from metropolitan areas seeks personal space, Gen-Z from smaller towns is still fighting for equal opportunities.

Finally, let us turn to the dream of an 'developed India' by 2047, which is spoken of everywhere. When India celebrates 100 years of independence, it will be this Gen-Z generation, who will be between 35 and 50 years old then, that will govern the country. That Gen-Z generation that is currently being criticized...

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during his Independence Day speech the creation of a network of free educational centers for youth preparing for entrance examinations. This initiative is aimed at reducing the financial burden associated with private tutoring in centers for low and middle-income families.

Modi stated that thanks to this program, families will be able to save thousands of rupees in expenses, and their sons will be able to receive education for free. He specified that the digital public infrastructure, talented specialists, and teachers will be used to create this network.

The Prime Minister noted that the competition for spots in tutoring classes has become a serious burden for middle-class families, as many parents believe that not attending such classes puts the family in an unfavorable position.

This announcement came against the backdrop of the growing role of the private sector in preparing for exams such as entrance exams to engineering and medical universities, as well as state competitions. The government is also actively promoting the use of digital platforms and online resources to expand access to learning and skill acquisition.

Furthermore, the announcement followed student protests triggered by the cancellation of the NEET-UG exam this year. Experts and politicians point to the ecosystem of tutoring centers as one of the factors contributing to the leakage of examination materials and the overall pressure associated with highly competitive tests.

In his speech, Modi also emphasized the development of higher education infrastructure as another measure of support for middle-class families. He reported that the number of universities in India increased from less than 350 between 2004 and 2014 to nearly 1000, aided by the establishment of about 650 new universities over the subsequent 10–12 years.

It was also noted that the number of medical seats increased from approximately 400 to 850, as well as the appearance of foreign university campuses within India.

Modi also mentioned that the National Education Policy (NEP), introduced in 2020 after a 35-year hiatus, has benefited the middle class. This policy replaced the 1986 education policy and provides for the reform of school and higher education through the introduction of interdisciplinary learning, vocational education, and greater flexibility in undergraduate studies.

He also referred to the expansion of Atal Tinkering Labs, stating that over 10,000 such labs have been provided to children to stimulate interest in technology and innovation. The launch of the free education program is likely to have a significant impact on students preparing for important exams, where private tuition has become an integral part of the preparation system and a major household expense.

As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort. In his speech, Modi emphasized the concept of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India), stating that India has ceased to depend on other countries and is rapidly moving towards self-sufficiency.

During his address, Modi also presented the achievements of the last twelve years. He noted that the strength of 140 million Indians cannot be stopped given the country's pace of development. The Prime Minister reported significant growth across various sectors: defense production increased by approximately four times, and the output of handicrafts and folk crafts increased by approximately five times. Furthermore, electronics manufacturing grew sevenfold, the construction of modern railway coaches increased twenty-onefold, and mobile phone production increased thirty-threefold.

Modi stressed that India is also demonstrating rapid progress in digitalization and innovation, asserting that the country is building its identity on the global stage. He noted that today every citizen participates in initiatives such as 'Make in India', 'Swadeshi', and 'Vocal for Local'.

The Prime Minister urged the country to set higher goals, insisting on the need to broaden thinking. He added that when determination is strong, the ability to find a way even amidst difficulties and natural disasters arises naturally, and that both his dreams and resolve must be high.

Modi also mentioned the recent floods in some regions of the country, reporting that many people were affected. The Prime Minister assured the affected families that the entire country supports them. Highlighting the theme of self-reliance, he also noted that the world has recently abandoned the term globalization.