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The Hashtag Won. Did Culture Lose Its Civility?

When viral outrage eclipses civil discourse, are social media and education failing to shape respectful democratic debate?

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The Hashtag Won. Did Culture Lose Its Civility? The recent Jantar Mantar protest reignited a national debate—not just because #SackDharmeshPradhan trended, but because viral videos allegedly showed sections of protesters using abusive, personal language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the clips spread across social media, many questioned whether the manner of protest had begun to overshadow the issue itself.

Can democracy thrive when abuse becomes the loudest voice online?

To better understand the growing debate over public discourse, our Editor, Dr. Namrata Mishra Tiwari http://indiainput.com spoke with eminent educationists and seasoned experts who have long been associated with India’s education system.

We sought their perspectives on the language used by some young participants during the Jantar Mantar protest and what it reflects about today’s civic and cultural values.

In a democracy, protests should seek to reform systems, and not foster hatred or create divisions among people. Regarding use of undignified language, less said the better it is. – Anju Bhutani ex-principal BVMCL, Nagpur.

The Social Media Effect

In the race for views, likes, and viral reels, outrage often earns more attention than reason. This has fueled concerns that some influencers and online trends are normalizing abusive public discourse, especially among younger audiences. When insults become entertainment, meaningful debate is pushed aside.

In a classroom scenario, if no student puts up questions, it doesn’t mean the teacher is very good, it may also mean that nobody understands the lesson because the teacher is not competent enough.
It is a good sign if the students question. It means, they are paying attention, clearing doubts, trying to comprehend and understand.

The student protest was like a pot which was simmering for a long time and had to spill over.

A lot of students have died in frustration because they couldn’t cope up with the huge pressure. The parents are vexed and exasperated.

Lately, a major shift has happened in the education system. The expenses incurred on even a small child are so much that the parents have to keep planning and saving. The college fees are skyrocketing. A big shake and change is required.

The millennials have just gone with whatever goes on without demanding answers. Its time someone stood up and asked and demanded them…!!
Gen Z did it.. They are quite aware of their present and want to secure a better future.

I hope and pray that this will bring a huge transformation, a change for a better India.
Its always best to let the people who know their field, do their job.. time to bring in the educationists and researchers so they can correct whatever has gone wrong.

‘जिसका काज उसी को साजे, और करे तो डंडा बाजे.’

-Vàŕñīķã, Academician & a freelance photographer, Siliguri.

Where Did We Fail?

The incident raises a larger question about education. Are schools doing enough to teach civic responsibility, respectful disagreement, digital citizenship, and constitutional values? Academic success alone cannot shape responsible citizens if civil dialogue is missing.

My Review Is That

The student protest was a necessary reminder that India’s youth will not remain silent when fairness, transparency, and accountability are at stake.

At the same time, any genuine public movement must remain focused on its core cause and not become a vehicle for political agendas. Though several other parties/organizations tried to hijack the show.

Last but not the least, The real success of this movement will not be measured by resignations alone, but by meaningful reforms that restore trust in our education system and safeguard the future of every honest student. Which will be an example of Democracy in our country.

– Mayank Singh Leading All Nobilians’ Achievers Association – The Global, free lance geologist & senior faculty AOL.

Culture Needs Civility

Democracy protects the right to criticize those in power, but respectful expression strengthens that right. At the same time, isolated incidents should not define an entire generation. The challenge is to ensure that passion never replaces decency. A nation progresses when ideas defeat ideas—not when abuse drowns out arguments.

Protesting to demand reforms makes sense. But demanding resignation even after the reforms were proposed by the government was not required.

Just a thought – Can there not be any law against adjournment of parliament? Protests are fine, but work cannot be disrupted…it costs taxpayer’s money. Running the Indian Parliament costs approximately ₹9 crore per day

– Monica Alumini IIT Kharagpur.