The movement, founded by political communications strategist Abhijeet Dipke, has attracted more than 22 million followers in less than a month and gained traction among young Indians frustrated by job shortages and repeated controversies surrounding competitive examinations.

Hundreds gathered at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar protest site, many wearing cockroach masks and carrying books, to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over recurring exam paper leaks that protesters say have undermined opportunities for students.

The movement emerged after Chief Justice Surya Kant compared critics and some unemployed youth to cockroaches during a court hearing in May. Although the judge later said his remarks had been taken out of context, activists adopted the term as a symbol of protest.

Participants said the demonstration reflected wider concerns over youth unemployment, governance and educational reforms. According to a recent State of Working India report by Azim Premji University, 67 percent of unemployed Indians aged 20 to 29 are graduates, up from 32 percent in 2004.

Supporters described the protest as the beginning of a broader youth-led campaign that could expand beyond education issues to address other social and economic concerns.

Police maintained a heavy presence around the protest venue, while organizers urged participants to keep the movement peaceful and focused on accountability and reform.