Gen Alpha protests for basic rights

Durg | Correspondent: Students in Chhattisgarh's Durg district have expressed their outrage over the dilapidated state and lack of basic amenities in Swami Atmanand Schools. In two separate areas of Durg the home district of Education Minister Gajendra Yadav students were forced to take to the streets to demand proper education and basic facilities.

These protests at schools in Pendravan and Selud have exposed the hollowness of the Education Department's claims in the region.

Students in Pendravan block main road over teacher shortage

Approximately 400 students (Classes 9 to 12) are enrolled at the Swami Atmanand School in Pendravan (Dhamdha area), yet only three teachers and one headmaster were posted there. The students argue that at least 17 teachers are required for smooth academic functioning. Frustrated that the syllabus remained incomplete due to the shortage of teachers, the students staged a protest on the Khairagarh-Dhamdha main road on August 21.

When the situation failed to improve despite administrative assurances, the agitated students once again blocked the main road on August 25. Following the protest, the administration took immediate action: the 'Open School' system was discontinued, the headmaster was removed from his post, and three new teachers were appointed.

Additionally, an assurance has been given that another teacher for the Commerce stream will be arranged soon. However, the students remain firm in their demand for adequate teaching staff across the entire Arts and Commerce faculties.

No toilets for two years in Selud; girl students questions, where should we go?

Meanwhile, the patience of 203 students (Classes 6 to 8) at the Swami Atmanand School in Selud ran out due to the severe lack of facilities. Distressed by the absence of toilets and a boundary wall for the past two years, the students first locked the school's main gate and then disrupted traffic on the Durg-Patan road for an hour. Raising serious concerns, student Kinjal Kurre and others stated that the lack of toilets causes significant embarrassment and hardship, particularly for female students. Furthermore, the absence of a boundary wall allows anti-social elements to damage bicycles parked on the premises.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Education Department officials visited the site, released funds to the principal for alternative arrangements, and instructed them to submit an online proposal.

A plea for better facilities

The protesting students say they do not wish to abandon their studies to sit on the streets, but when repeated complaints go unheeded, protest becomes the only remaining option. The students clarified that their actions are not politically motivated; rather, the issue concerns their future and fundamental rights.

Can these children from Durg be called 'Gen Alpha'?

Students in grades 9 through 12 at the Pendravan school in Durg were likely born between 2008 and 2012 (a transitional period between Gen Z and Gen Alpha). Meanwhile, the 203 students in grades 6 through 8 at the Selud school (aged approximately 11 to 14) clearly fall within the Gen Alpha cohort.

The fact that school children from Pendravan and Selud in Durg are staging road blockades and protests over issues like teacher shortages and the lack of basic amenities-such as toilets and boundary walls demonstrates that this generation (Gen Alpha) is highly aware and vocal about their rights, education, and future.

Gen Alpha (Generation Alpha) refers to the generational cohort born between 2010 and 2024 (or roughly up to 2025).

This generation was named by sociologist Mark McCrindle. It is the generation that follows Gen Z.