Daijiworld Media Network - Mapusa
Mapusa, Jul 25: The nationwide protest over the NEET paper leak and the alleged police action against students gathered momentum on Friday as hundreds of people assembled at Lohia Garden in Mapusa, Goa, expressing solidarity with students protesting in Delhi and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The peaceful demonstration, attended by students, parents, professionals and activists, echoed with slogans demanding Pradhan's resignation, reflecting growing public anger over repeated examination controversies and the government's handling of the issue.
Actor Abhishek Banerjee joined the protest, lending his support to the students' movement.
"Not all actors are silent," Banerjee said, drawing applause from the gathering.
Recalling the reaction he received after deciding to travel to Goa for the protest, Banerjee said many people were surprised.
"When I told people I was going to Goa for a protest, they asked how Goans could be protesting because Goa is seen as a laid-back place. But the anger among the youth is no longer limited to Jantar Mantar in Delhi. It has spread across the country, and rightly so," he said.
Questioning the Centre's response to the protests, Banerjee said, "What type of arrogant government will not listen to its own kids? These are the future of the country. Every one of us should come out of our homes, leave our work and support the youth."
Among the participants was college student Priya Parab, who held a placard demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and said she had joined the protest to stand in solidarity with students who were allegedly assaulted by police while peacefully seeking justice.
The protest also saw participation from parents concerned about the future of their children. Mapusa resident Cinatra Alvares attended the event with her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, saying she wanted her child to grow up in a country where young people receive fair opportunities and leaders are held accountable.
She said repeated paper leaks, rising unemployment and the lack of accountability had become matters of serious concern.
Organisers said they initially faced difficulties in obtaining permission to hold the demonstration at public venues and were eventually allowed to organise the gathering at Lohia Garden in the heart of Mapusa.
Despite the challenges, the large turnout underscored the growing nationwide support for the student-led movement over the NEET paper leak and demands for accountability.