Shaheen Bagh: A new kind of 'satyagraha' with a fresh grammar of protest

The leaderless, self-disciplined Shaheen Bagh satyagrahis are unique in the history of dissent and protest. They're creating new grammars of protest that only self-belief, solidarity and hope can give

Amid the bustle of talk and announcements on stage, there is a surprise at Shaheen Bagh. A young, slim girl student in ankle-length boots, dark pants and shirt is invited to take the podium. She begins her speech by saying that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has put her in a dilemma. She studies in Jharkhand where many of her close friends are members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Their opinions matter to her personally. At the same time, when she comes to Shaheen Bagh she is gripped by the dangers of CAA.

Meanwhile,