Amid the buzz around the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and Gen Z's growing discontent over exam leaks and systemic failures, veteran actor Manoj Bajpayee has delivered a response that's winning hearts across social media. In a candid interview to NDTV, the actor was directly asked what message he has for young Indians drawn to such movements. Instead of political rhetoric, he shared a heartfelt personal story that has now gone viral.Cockroach Janta Party: Manoj Bajpayee guides what GenZ should do The discussion arose as the CJP, a satirical youth-driven campaign sparked by recent controversies including the massive NEET-UG paper leak, gains momentum. With plans for a big protest at Jantar Mantar on June 6, many are wondering how today's youth should channel their frustration.When pressed on what Gen Z should do, Bajpayee refused to fall into any trap. "They know their situation better than I ever can," he said calmly. "If they feel hurt by the system, they must do whatever is possible within their power."— sharma_views (@sharma_views) He went on to address the power of social media and smartphones in empowering the youth. "When you empower people, some things they say will be liked, and some won't. That's part of it," he noted, acknowledging both the good and the messy side of this new freedom. Manoj Bajpayee shares Chedi Mahto storyBut it was his deeper message that struck a chord. Bajpayee recalled his childhood in Bihar and a humble teacher named Chedi Mahto (also referred to as Chhedi Mahato). In the teacher's modest class, young Manoj sat on a sack alongside Ramchandra, a boy from a very poor background who cut grass to feed his cow." Ramchandra was the topper," Bajpayee remembered. Though Ramchandra couldn't pursue higher studies due to lack of resources, the foundation laid by Chedi Mahto helped him start his own tuition classes, which became hugely successful. He went on to educate and uplift countless others in their town. The young generation has only one ray of hope, Chedi Mahto: Manoj Bajpayee Everyone needs their own version of such a mentor or guide. He urged society and leaders to truly listen to the youth because, in nation-building, "their contribution is the biggest." The clip has exploded online, with users praising Bajpayee for sidestepping political polarisation and offering wisdom rooted in real-life experience instead. Many are calling it a timely reminder that education, mentorship, and genuine opportunity remain the strongest weapons for the young to overcome challenges.The conversation came as Gen Z voices grow louder over repeated exam scandals, particularly the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak that forced the cancellation of the crucial medical entrance test for over 22 lakh aspirants. This controversy, along with other irregularities in exams like CBSE and CUET, has left millions of students and their families feeling betrayed by the system. Many have turned to social media, where the CJP, born from a satirical twist on a controversial judicial remark, has exploded in popularity, drawing massive followings and now planning a major peaceful gathering at Jantar Mantar on June 6.