India's Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is set to march on Delhi's parliament, demanding reforms to the education system. The protest, which has gained a massive following, is led by Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the CJP. Dipke has stated that the government has reached out for talks, but there is no official confirmation yet. The protest has been ongoing for nearly a month at Jantar Mantar, a 300-year-old observatory in Delhi, where thousands of protesters, political leaders, and activists have gathered. The atmosphere is spirited, with protesters shouting slogans and making speeches. Many are waving the Indian flag, while others are carrying plastic roses as a peace offering. The CJP emerged as a satirical online collective after a Supreme Court judge likened some unemployed youth to 'cockroaches' during a hearing. Instead of rejecting the label, young people embraced it, turning the reviled insect into a symbol of resilience. The movement is demanding an overhaul of India's education system, greater accountability over alleged exam paper leaks, and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest has been met with heavy security, with several hundred police and paramilitary personnel deployed. Despite the lack of permission for the march, the CJP plans to go ahead anyway. Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known Indian activist and educator, has joined the protest, going on a hunger strike in support of the CJP's demands. Wangchuk's fast has lasted for 20 days, during which he consumed nothing but salt and water, losing more than 9kg. The activist has said he would end his fast if the government takes accountability for the recent failures in the education system, or if he and the CJP leadership reach parliament and MPs assure them they will take up the issue, or if lawmakers visit him in the hospital and assure him this would happen. The protest has sparked a long day of preparation among protesters, with many sharing detailed advisories on carrying essential items such as water, ORS packets, snacks, power banks, caps, and raincoats. They have also shared maps of meeting points, legal helpline numbers, and instructions on what to do if detained. The CJP itself has issued a list of do's and don'ts, asking participants to keep the march peaceful, carry only the Indian flag, and refrain from confrontations with police. Despite the challenges, the protesters are determined to make their voices heard, and the future of India's education system hangs in the balance.
