As outrage grows over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination and the Delhi Police’s use of force against protesters who attempted to march towards Parliament, solidarity protests have spread across the country. In Bengaluru, students, activists and supporters gathered at Freedom Park in support of those protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Carrying placards, they demanded accountability and justice, condemning the police action after videos of student protesters being lathi-charged went viral on social media. It’s heartbreaking that the people we have put there to govern are actually meting out such brutality to their own people. At the peaceful protest in Bengaluru, I felt a lot of hope. It was wonderful to see so many young people come out of colleges, schools and workplaces to be with and listen to one another. It was extremely moving. — Mallika Prasad, actorI have to salute those kids for showing so much courage. They are the real brave soldiers of India. This is the land of Gandhi, and I think peace and non-violence are the only ways to stand against such brutality. As a parent, you can connect to those kids. What if they were my children? Would I let them be beaten up like that? Everybody should join. This is a problem the nation is facing. Please keep the fight alive—from election to election, from vote to vote. Convert this anger into votes. That is the right way to do it in a democracy. — Kishore Kumar, actorWhat is happening around the NEET paper leak is not a small injustice; it is a serious issue that cannot be ignored. As citizens of India, we must take this seriously—not just for our children, but for generations to come. They are our future, and among them are the doctors who will shape the future of our country. We cannot let them be treated this way. I hope these protests bring about meaningful change. — Nishvika Naidu, actorThe government is afraid to listen to the young generation because it fears this could lead to more resignations. We are seeing people from across communities—tribals, doctors, students and farmers—protesting. But I am hopeful. I know the sun will rise again. Kudos to the students who are putting their lives at risk to ask for justice. — Deeksha, young mother who joined the protest with her toddler sonInputs by Karthikeyan Sairam and Trisha Majumder
