Gang culture in India takes root in schools, activist warns

Gang involvement among Indian youth is fundamentally rooted in the school environment, where adolescents seek belonging and social validation, according to activist and researcher Janakey Raman Manickam.

In his written analysis, Manickam identifies the critical role that peer pressure and the desire for acceptance play in driving students toward gang membership. Rather than viewing gang culture solely as a criminal phenomenon, he frames it as a symptom of deeper social needs going unmet during the school years.

The activist's findings suggest that many young people gravitate toward gangs not for criminal purposes alone, but as a response to feeling marginalized or overlooked within conventional social structures. The school setting, where social hierarchies are established and identity is formed, serves as a crucial point where vulnerable youth become susceptible to gang recruitment.

Manickam's work underscores the importance of addressing the underlying factors that make gang membership appealing to students—including the need for recognition, protection, and a sense of community. The research implies that effective intervention strategies must target the school environment and provide alternative pathways for youth to achieve social acceptance and belonging.