Abstract India, home to one of the world’s largest youth populations, is undergoing significant transformations in democratic participation. This paper examines the role of youth as agents of change in contemporary political movements in India. Drawing on Political Socialization Theory and New Social Movement Theory, the study analyses youth participation in movements such as the Citizenship Amendment Act protests and the Indian farmers' protest, along with digitally mediated electoral mobilization during the 2014 Indian general election. The paper argues that contemporary youth activism is characterized by digital connectivity, identity-based mobilization, and decentralized organization, thereby reshaping democratic discourse in India. While youth engagement has strengthened participatory democracy and political awareness, it has also intensified polarization and state–citizen tensions. The study concludes that the vitality of Indian democracy depends substantially on inclusive and responsible youth participation.
Doolannavar et al. (Sat,) studied this question.
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