A Naga youth distributes flowers to protesters at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, amid the ongoing student-led protest. (Photo Courtesy: Tiapong Tzudir)
Youth from Nagaland shares his Jantar Mantar experience
Vishü Rita Krocha
Kohima | July 23
Marking one of the country’s largest protests in recent years, the ongoing demonstrations that began at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on June 6 have brought together people from diverse sections of society.
Among them is 27-year-old Tiapong Tzudir, a Young India Fellow from Nagaland, who described the protest as citizens coming together for a common cause, transcending differences of religion, caste, class and region.
Sharing his experience with The Morung Express, he declared: “I am not here for any particular leader or political party. I support Sonam Wangchuk, but my participation goes beyond any individual.
The larger issue is accountability, accountability not just about the NEET exam but repeated failures in public systems and examinations.”
Having previously experienced an exam cancellation due to a paper leak, Tzudir said, “I understand how painful and frustrating it is.”
He said he has been at the protest almost every day and night for the past six to seven days, returning home only to rest briefly.
“It has been encouraging to see Nagas and other people from the North-East participate,” he said, adding that student organisations such as the Zeliangrong Students’ Union Delhi and the Sumi Students’ Union Delhi, along with many individuals, had extended support.
“And I am sure many others turned up too.”
Tzudir also highlighted the contribution of Nagas behind the scenes. “Many of them come after work and stay late into the night to volunteer,” he said.
“Individuals from Nagaland bring food, groceries, water and other essentials without expecting recognition,” he said, describing their “quiet acts of service” as inspiring.
Beyond memes and dancing
While slogans, dancing and memes from the protest dominate social media, Tzudir pointed out that “meaningful conversations” were also taking place, particularly in discussion circles.
“I have heard discussions on Ambedkar, Sonam Wangchuk, constitutional values, Adivasi and Scheduled Tribe issues, farmers and many other social issues,” he recounted.
With the protest becoming a platform for discussion people from different states to share their experiences, he noted, “I also heard discussions on Manipur and saw people wearing ‘Save Manipur’ T-shirts, showing solidarity beyond their own state,” he said.
Describing the protest as an “open classroom” where people learn from one another, Tzudir said, “Beyond the entertainment online, there is a lot of learning and awareness building happening.”
Nevertheless, Tzudir stressed that “peaceful protest is not easy,” adding, “Facing tear gas and lathi charges while remaining peaceful takes immense courage and restraint.”
He also stressed that accountability should not be limited to national issues but should begin at home, pointing to several concerns in Nagaland that deserve greater public discussion.
“We should talk more about delayed scholarships, poor infrastructure, teacher shortages, irregular appointments, schools without enough teachers, and delays in schemes like midday meals,” he added.
Everyday kindness
Amid the tear gas and chaos at the protest, Tzudir said he also wanted to remind people that humanity and kindness still matter.
This was when a group of them decided to give out flowers to the protesters as simple gesture to spread peace and hope.
“The flowers symbolised peace, solidarity and gratitude for everyone who continued protesting peacefully,” he said.
Sharing the response, Tzudir said, “They were very, very grateful. Some even fanned us, while some students gave us food in return.”
Looking back, he said what stood out most was not any particular incident but “the everyday kindness” of strangers who shared food and water and helped when he was exhausted.
“Those small acts of kindness have stayed with me the most,” he added.
