Kochi: Perambra MLA Fathima Thahiliya on Saturday said Gen Z is increasingly shaping its political choices around specific issues rather than ideological affiliations, signalling a shift in the way young people engage with politics.

“This is an alert message to those in power as well as the Opposition. The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led protests are an example of this. The younger generation speaks out on issues that affect people without needing the backing of a political party or its flag. That is their potential,” she said at the Manorama News Conclave 2026 in Kochi.

Speaking at a session titled ‘Generation Unscripted: Dreams, Disruptions and the New Language of Success', Thahiliya said the younger generation also places a greater emphasis on respect and personal freedom. “How many young people get a respectful atmosphere in their own homes? That is why many of them step outside and seek the kind of lifestyle they want. The new generation places great importance on being treated with respect,” she said.

Thahiliya added Gen Z should be described as “self-centred rather than selfish”, noting that young people are willing to challenge issues that have remained unaddressed for years. “They are no longer willing to suffer in silence, and protests have become a tool for them to voice their concerns,” she said.

Actor Gowri Kishan, who also participated in the session along with entrepreneur Rail John Aju, said Gen Z's activism should not be dismissed through stereotypes about the generation being privileged or lazy. “However, we have realistic and relatable solutions, and social media also plays a crucial role in this,” she said. Referring to the CJP-led protests, Kishan said they demonstrated Gen Z's willingness to speak out against injustice and push for change.

Meanwhile, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, on Saturday, announced the grand vision of the Union government to build 100 new airports in the country in the next 10 years. Inaugurating the Manorama News Conclave 2026, he said the government wants to make the common man a part of the aviation growth story.

"We have increased the number of airports from 74 to 166 in 12 years. Every 45 days, we have opened an airport in the country. We plan to have 350 airports as part of the Viksit Bharat 2047 scheme. This is the reason why the UDAN scheme has been extended to another 10 years. The government will spend ₹28,840 crore to build 100 new airports in 10 years," the Minister said. He said that the government plans to reuse pre-independent era airstrips to construct airports to spur aviation growth and cater to the aspirations of the youth.

The Manorama News Conclave 2026, a forum bringing together leading voices to discuss issues shaping the nation’s future, began on Saturday at Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre in Kochi. Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu inaugurated the event. Malayala Manorama Executive Editor and Director Jayant Mammen Mathew delivered the welcome note.

This year’s conclave, themed ‘Kerala @70’, features a diverse line-up of speakers, including Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan, CPM General Secretary M A Baby and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.

Launched in 2017, the Manorama News Conclave has explored themes ranging from happiness and freedom to the idea of a new India. The day-long forum brings together political leaders, experts, artists and other prominent voices for conversations and debates on issues of contemporary relevance.