India's Young People Film 'Fit Checks' While Running From Police

Angelica Silva wrote this article.

The topic is activism.

It was published on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 4:46 am.

It was updated on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 10:47 am.

Young people in India are using new ways to protest, from Delhi to Kerala.

A 21-year-old named Neerav gets ready to protest in Mumbai.

But he doesn't wear what you would expect.

He wears a Superman suit that he made himself.

The suit gives Neerav courage when he's not sure what will happen at the protests.

Neerav says the costume makes him feel more confident.

Neerav told the ABC that wearing the costume helped him a lot.

He said it made him feel like he could help and bring hope to the situation.

Many young Indians have been protesting because they want the education minister to quit.

Over 2 million students had to take the medical entrance exam again, and 20 students died.

Neerav said his fellow protesters felt better when they saw Superman with them.

Young people are using 'fit checks' and flowers to protest.

Across India, young people are using memes and humor to bring about change.

There are videos of young women making 'fit checks' during protests.

One woman said, 'Today, I'm wearing jhumkas and a spine.'

Other videos show young people running from police, with music from a popular game.

A protester dressed as Spider-Man was at a demonstration in Mumbai.

Some students gave police roses, but were still chased and hit.

The Cockroach Janta Party, a satirical group, organized the protests.

The group's name refers to a comment made by a chief justice.

Gen Z in India has been called the 'most unserious' generation.

But they are fighting for the government to be accountable.

Some people think it's working.

Experts say India hasn't seen protests this big in over a decade.

The protests are some of the largest in India recently.

Maybe they are not doomed to lose.

An 18-year-old named Aryan felt hopeful when he saw protesters in costumes.

Aryan said the costumes inspired him and gave him hope for change.

Aryan has been protesting in Mumbai.

India is a diverse country with many languages and communities.

In Mumbai, Aryan saw people from all backgrounds come together to protest.

But the police used force against the protesters.

Police have hurt many protesters, used tear gas, and detained people.

Muskan said she saw police brutality in Mumbai, but it was worse in Delhi.

Children and seniors were not spared by the police.

Muskan has been protesting in Mumbai for five days.

She said she saw many human rights violations.

Muskan told the ABC about the police violence she witnessed.

Mumbai Police said they managed the protests professionally.

The police denied using excessive force.

Police officers detained supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party.

A spokesperson for the Mumbai Police said no incidents of force occurred.

The police said they followed the law during the protests.

A 19-year-old student named Siddharth said the police response was brutal.

Siddharth was hit by a tear gas canister at a protest in Delhi.

He told the ABC that he couldn't breathe properly for an hour.

Siddharth said the police didn't care about human rights.

He saw police hitting students with sticks.

Students and minors were hit by the police.

Delhi Police were contacted for comment.

Many people were injured and detained during the protests.

Aakar Patel from Amnesty International said peaceful dissent is being suppressed.

The authorities should protect and facilitate peaceful protests.

The right to peaceful assembly is recognized under international law.

India is changing.

In a different part of India, a peaceful protest occurred.

A 22-year-old named Misba attended a peaceful protest in Kozhikode.

The police were nice and professional, Misba said.

There was no use of force by the police.

Misba enjoyed the humorous signs made by gen Z protesters.

Protesters exchanged compliments and recited poems.

Misba said gen Z in India is resilient and uses humor.

India's youth showed their humor and creativity with protest signs.

Misba felt inspired by the people who came together to support students.

She said it made her feel like India is changing.

Young people are standing up for themselves and their future.

See more ABC coverage.

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