Authorities in New Delhi worked to erase graffiti near the Jantar Mantar observatory on July 26, following protests over an exam leak scandal that led to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Amidst the cleanup, a young protester amplified the chant "Azadi, give me freedom!" from a tree, marking the slogan's resurgence.

The phrase "Azadi," meaning "freedom" in English, has transformed from a criminalized protest slogan into the anthem for a new wave of youth activism. The popular hip-hop song from the film "Gully Boy" has been adopted by a generation, finding new life in political challenges against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government.

Footage of police confronting students in New Delhi, alongside similar protests in Jaipur, Lucknow, and Mumbai, has invigorated the nearly decade-old slogan. Just ten years prior, shouting "Azadi" could lead to charges of treason for student leaders in Delhi. Now, it echoes across major cities, a potent symbol of dissent.

The journey of the "Azadi" chant, from its roots in Pakistan's feminist movement and the Kashmiri resistance to its current mainstream status in India, reflects the evolving landscape of political discourse and student activism under Modi's decade-long rule.

This recent surge in protest activity underscores a broader trend of youth engagement with political issues. The exam leak scandal, which prompted the protests and the minister's ousting, tapped into existing frustrations among students and young people regarding governance and accountability.

Historical context reveals that student activism has long been a significant force in India. Universities like Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have historically served as hubs for political discourse and mobilization. However, the current political climate has seen a shift in how such expressions of dissent are perceived and treated by authorities.

While the protests over the exam scandal have subsided with the minister's resignation, the physical remnants of the demonstrations, such as painted-over barricades bearing messages like "Umar, Sharjeel, Gulfisha were here before you," serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle and the historical weight of the "Azadi" slogan.

The renewed prominence of "Azadi" raises questions about the future of protest movements in India, the government's response to youth activism, and the enduring power of a single word to encapsulate a generation's aspirations for freedom and change.