J S Chauhan 
The streets of France were witnessing an unusual sight. The Gen Z generation was protesting against the government. Their demands were simple but serious: improve the education system, hire more teachers, reduce overcrowded classrooms, and give students a better learning environment.
The young protesters were not asking for luxury cars or free holidays. They wanted something rather old-fashioned: a decent education.
The French President was worried. He had seen protests before, but this one was different. The younger generation was angry, energetic, and surprisingly difficult to convince.
“What should I do?” he wondered. “How can I handle these young people?”
Suddenly, an idea struck him. Why not consult someone who had considerable experience in handling public dissatisfaction?
He picked up the phone and called the Indian Prime Minister.
“Sir,” said the French President, “we have a serious problem. Gen Z is protesting against the deterioration of our education system. There are not enough teachers, classrooms are overcrowded, and students are unhappy. How do you handle such situations in India?”
The Indian Prime Minister smiled. He had been waiting for such an opportunity to deliver an international masterclass.
“My dear friend,” he said, “you are looking at the problem from the wrong angle. You are thinking about teachers, classrooms, and education. That is your first mistake!”
The French President listened carefully.
“First, introduce a New Education Policy. Give it an impressive name. Call it NEP. A good abbreviation can sometimes accomplish what a thousand teachers cannot.”
The French President made a note.
“Now, make the examination system so student-friendly that passing becomes much easier. Keep students busy preparing for examinations, assessments, tests, and more tests. If they are preparing for examinations all the time, they will have less time to complain about the education system.”
“But what about the shortage of teachers?” asked the French President.
“Simple!” replied the Indian PM. “If fewer students attend classrooms, the shortage of teachers becomes less visible. Students can study at home. Online resources are available. And if necessary, they can watch motivational videos about success, discipline, and the importance of education.”
The French President was impressed.
“But what if they still protest?”
“Ah! Now we come to the most important part of governance.”
The Indian PM leaned forward.
“You must understand Gen Z. They are not like the older generations. They live in a world of reels, memes, trending songs, dance challenges, and social media influencers. So, if you want to communicate with them, you must first become one of them.”
The French President looked confused.
“You mean I should dance?”
“Why not? Learn to dance. Learn to sing. Walk the ramp if necessary. Appear regularly on social media. Make videos. Use their language. If a serious speech gets a hundred views but a funny dance gets a million, you know which one to choose!”
The French President began imagining himself dancing in front of the Eiffel Tower.
“And remember,” continued the Indian PM, “never underestimate the power of regular communication. Speak to the people frequently. Have a programme like Mann Ki Baat. Tell them what is happening, what has been achieved, and what wonderful things are waiting around the corner.”
“But should I also discuss their problems?” asked the French President.
“Of course! Acknowledge their concerns. Promise improvements. Explain your vision. And keep the communication going. Just remember that communication cannot replace actual solutions. You will still need teachers, good schools, and a functioning education system.”
For a moment, the French President thought the Indian PM had suddenly become a professor of educational philosophy.
Then came the final piece of advice.
“My friend, the younger generation wants to be heard. Give them a platform. Understand their language. But do not confuse popularity with performance. A viral video may win attention; it cannot teach algebra.”
The French President thanked him and ended the call.
The next morning, he appeared on social media wearing fashionable sneakers. He announced a new initiative for young people and promised to listen to their concerns. Rumours even began circulating that he was considering a dance video.
Gen Z watched, commented, shared memes, and debated whether the President had finally understood them.
But outside the classrooms, one question remained unanswered.
Who would appoint the teachers?
Who would improve the schools?
And who would ensure that students actually received a good education?
Perhaps the French President would eventually discover the oldest lesson in democracy: young people may enjoy a good reel, but they still need a good future.
After all, a country cannot educate its children merely by entertaining them.
And no education policy, however impressive its name, can turn an empty classroom into a centre of learning.
The moral of the story? Dance for the camera if you must, sing for the audience if you wish, and speak to the people as often as you like. But when students demand teachers, give them teachers—not another trending hashtag.
Because Gen Z may come for the entertainment, but it will eventually judge the government by its performance.
