India, July 25 -- As one walks towards the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest site at Jantar Mantar, the atmosphere is marked not only by slogans demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation but also by the sound of guitars, patriotic songs and performances of resistance.

On a humid Thursday night, groups of students waiting to enter the main protest venue gathered in circles, singing together. One student pulled out a guitar and began playing "Aarambh Hai Prachand Hai", while another group nearby broke into "Sabse Aage Honge Hindustani", with many joining in.

The musical gatherings have become a regular feature of the month-long protest. Beyond speeches from the stage and sloganeering, protesters have increasing...