We Are Fasting So People Find Courage Within Themselves Again: Voices from Jantar Mantar

At Jantar Mantar, the historic protest site in New Delhi, a group of activists have begun an indefinite fast. Their demand is not just about a single policy or a specific law. It is about something more intangible: courage.

"We are fasting so that people find courage within themselves again," one protester said, sitting under a makeshift canopy. The mercury has been rising, but the group remains determined. They believe that fear has gripped too many citizens, silencing dissent and shrinking democratic space.

The Message Behind the Fast

The protesters argue that apathy and fear are the biggest obstacles to change. "When people see us fasting, they realise that someone is willing to suffer for a cause. That sparks something inside them," another activist explained. The group has received support from passersby, who stop to offer water or words of encouragement.

The fast is not tied to a single issue. Instead, it is a protest against what the demonstrators call a "climate of intimidation." They say that threats, legal cases, and social pressure have made ordinary citizens hesitate before raising their voices. The fast, they hope, will break that cycle.

Voices from the Ground

Many of those fasting are from marginalised communities. They say they have faced discrimination and harassment for years. "We have nothing left to lose," said a woman who has been on hunger strike for four days. "But we have everything to gain if others find the strength to speak up."

Another protester, a student, added: "We are not asking for charity. We are asking for solidarity. If you cannot fast, at least speak. Write. Organise. The system changes only when people refuse to be silent."

What the Fast Represents

The indefinite nature of the fast has drawn concern from medical professionals nearby. Volunteers are monitoring the health of those on strike. But the protesters say they are prepared to continue until they see a shift in public sentiment.

For now, the crowd at Jantar Mantar remains small. But the organisers believe the impact will spread. "Courage is contagious," one of them said. "We are just the spark. The fire will come from the people."

The protest has not drawn a large political response yet. No major party has openly supported or condemned it. The activists say that is part of the problem—when all parties are silent, citizens must act on their own.

The fast continues, with no end in sight. What started as a small gathering has become a symbol of quiet resilience. Whether it will inspire the broader movement that the protesters hope for remains to be seen. But for now, the message is clear: courage is not given; it is found within.