The 17-year-old who became the voice of a generation

With his thick spectacles, a bowl-like haircut and a seemingly bemused expression, he looks like an average geek. But this 17-year-old who has only just left school to pursue a degree in politics and public administration has become a revered figure for people much older than him, and somewhat of a political prodigy in Hong Kong.

Meet Joshua Wong, who is risking his life claiming the future rights of his generation at such a young age.

Wong is a clear veteran at this. When he was 15, Wong founded the student group Scholarism, and brought together 1.2 lakh protestors against China’s proposal to implement patriotic education in Hong Kong’s schools. The proposal was eventually shelved. 

Under British rule, Hong Kong absorbed waves of refugees from China. Political rights were unheard of and were not offered either until very late by the colony’s British rulers.

Wong identifies himself as ‘Hong Konger’ first and not just Chinese. 

The protest, which has attracted thousands in Hong Kong, was dubbed the ‘Umbrella Revolution’ -- the umbrella being used to protect against tear gas and pepper spray. On September 27 this year, Wong became one of the dozens of people arrested by the Hong Kong police during the pro-democracy protests. He was released after a 40-hour detention.

The Hong Kong government said on October 9 that it had called off a meeting that was to be held on the following day with student leaders of the pro-democracy movement. Meanwhile, the Chinese government has accused Wong of being a creation of the United States attempting to cause mischief against Beijing.