MUMBAI: From calling it a “victory of students” to hailing Gen Z as a “tsunami of hope”, film personalities on Saturday welcomed Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation following weeks of protests over the NEET paper leak issue.Pradhan stepped down earlier in the day amid growing pressure over alleged irregularities in the conduct of several competitive examinations.In his resignation letter, he said he was “disturbed” by the developments of the past 10 days and had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, news agency PI reported.Reacting to the development, Shabana Azmi said, “So proud of our youth. I am truly humbled.
CJP Jantar Mantar Protest Updates
Thank you for showing us that our Constitution is our greatest strength.”Azmi has been among the most outspoken voices from the film industry supporting the student movement.The veteran actor, who was expected to join the students’ protest in Mumbai but could not attend after being diagnosed with swine flu, said the movement must continue until wider reforms are introduced.“It is the first step towards the students’ victory. But the resistance must continue till the educational system is overhauled and all demands are met,” Azmi added.The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led agitation began at Jantar Mantar on June 20 over the NEET paper leak and examination irregularities before spreading to several cities, with Pradhan’s resignation becoming the movement’s central demand.The protests intensified earlier this week after police used batons and tear gas to disperse students marching towards Parliament in New Delhi.The action drew widespread criticism and prompted several actors and filmmakers to express support for the protesters, PTI reported.Prakash Raj, who had also participated in the Jantar Mantar protest, shared an Instagram post congratulating his “dear cockroaches” and activist Sonam Wangchuk, who undertook a prolonged hunger strike in solidarity with the movement.“Dear Sonam Wangchuk sir and every single one who stood by the youth. You have proved that you can bring a regime down to its knees,” he wrote.Alia Bhatt posted on her Instagram Stories, “Gen Z showed up! The rest is history.”Filmmakers Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar also reacted to the resignation. “GEN Z… You are a tsunami of hope,” Kagti wrote.Farhan Akhtar posted, “Democracy is a system of government where power belongs to the people.”Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas shared a news article announcing Pradhan’s resignation on her Instagram Stories.Dia Mirza said she had only admiration for Gen Z and thanked Wangchuk for “walking the path of peace and showing our children what true love looks like”.“Thank you to every young student asking for accountability, transparency and reform in our education system. @cockroachjantaparty remain respectful, peaceful and consistent as you have,” she said.Aditi Rao Hydari posted, “Fighting the good fight and winning it… RESPECT. Gen Z for the win. More power to honesty, dignity, non-violence, accountability, freedom of speech, and intelligence. May these always be louder than fear, division, and hate.”Vijay Varma shared a photograph of Pradhan on social media with the caption, “Accha chalta hoon… duaaon mein yaad rakhna,” quoting the popular song “Channa Mereya” from “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil”.Comedian-writer Varun Grover congratulated the students and activists who spearheaded the movement.“Congratulations, India. The seriousness of @Cockroachisback, @SauravDassss, @abhijeet_dipke, @neha_aisa, Aameen, Manish, and the unhinged non-seriousness of the Gen Z memes has made the kings blink today,” he wrote.Vir Das shared a photograph with the caption “Friends” before posting a message applauding the students.“You restored a single word of a tiny little sentence of that book we all read in school and forgot. You beautiful kids. Whatever the hell happens from here, you won. Now hurry up and celebrate,” he wrote.Pankaj Tripathi said, “In a democracy, arrogance and the baton ultimately break. And in breaking, they make democracy stronger. Salute to Gen Z.”Huma Qureshi, who had also visited Jantar Mantar with her brother Saqib Saleem, posted, “Salute to the youth.”Tillotama Shome said she felt fortunate to witness the historic youth-led movement.“‘Youth is wasted on the young’ can retire officially. And other tired cliches and cynical smart-alecs. And, NO, not back to business as usual. Thank you, thank you to the YOUTH of INDIA!!!” she added.Zahan Kapoor posted, “Accha din aa gaya!!! (The good days have arrived).”Ishaan Khatter described it as a victory for India and democracy.“The collective empathy of millions washed the apathy of habit. So f***ing proud. THIS is the INDIA I grew up in. Maa tujhe salaam,” he wrote on Instagram.Bhumi Pednekar congratulated Gen Z, saying their “conviction, courage, and belief in the power of change has inspired us”.“I truly hope this movement leads to meaningful reform in systems that are broken, not just in education, but across every institution that needs correction.“Now is the time for decisive reform and lasting change. I think for every Indian, whether you are serving in office or are an ordinary citizen, the nation, its prosperity, its people and its security should always come first,” she said.Saba Azad posted, “Chaatr ekta zindabad!!!” while Swara Bhasker described the development as a “Huge victory for students.”Malayalam actor Parvathy Thiruvothu shared a screenshot of Pradhan’s resignation letter and wrote, “Resigned!!!!”“Jai Hind,” wrote Tovino Thomas.Sonakshi Sinha, Divyenndu, Vaani Kapoor, Vikramaditya Motwane, Swara Bhasker, Twinkle Khanna and several others also shared posts on social media celebrating Pradhan’s resignation.(With agency inputs)
