From Tamil Nadu to Jantar Mantar: Five student movements that changed India's politics and education forever

The 1965 Anti-Hindi Agitation in Tamil Nadu opposed the Official Languages Act making Hindi primary, leading to English continuing as an associate official language.

The 1974 Nav Nirman Movement in Gujarat and Bihar student protests forced the dissolution of state assemblies and resignation of Chief Minister Chimanbhai Patel.

The Assam Agitation (1979–1985), led by All Assam Students’ Union, opposed illegal immigration and resulted in the Assam Accord of 1985.

The 1990 Anti-Mandal protests opposed the implementation of the Mandal Commission report, sparking nationwide debates on caste-based reservations.

The 2026 Jantar Mantar education protests demanded exam reforms and transparency in central educational boards, drawing thousands of students.