Actress-director Nandita Das and veteran actress Shabana Azmi have shown solidarity with protestors at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Nandita Das recently posted on Instagram, expressing her support for those who uphold democracy by peacefully assembling and voicing their opinions. Shabana Azmi, actively involved at the protest site, shared updates and a picture from the location, emphasizing the peaceful nature of the protest for educational reforms.
The protests gained momentum following the removal of Sonam Wangchuk by Delhi Police from Jantar Mantar after a 21-day hunger strike. Wangchuk was demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to alleged irregularities in competitive exams, particularly the NEET paper leak issue. The controversy surrounding the NEET exam, including allegations of paper leaks and unfair advantages, led to student protests seeking transparency, re-tests, and accountability.
The government’s defense of the exam process clashed with student demands, triggering investigations into malpractice and eroding trust in the examination system. Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike and subsequent hospitalization underscore the ongoing tensions and calls for reform in India’s education sector.
