Actor Anupam Kher on Wednesday expressed his backing for students protesting nationwide regarding inconsistencies in the NEET examination. He acknowledged their demands for educational reforms and called for accountability, identifying these aspirations as crucial for the future of the nation. Kher, known for addressing matters of national significance, urged the students to remain vigilant against potential political manipulation of their movement.

Warning Against Political Opportunism

Kher cautioned the students about the risk of political opportunists infiltrating their protests, particularly highlighting the ongoing gathering at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. He articulated an understanding of the frustrations that students face, drawing from his own experiences and aspirations during his academic journey. He relayed that student movements represent the authentic voice of society, motivated by a desire for a better future rather than personal gain.

The actor went on to emphasise that as the movement gains traction, scrutiny of the motives of those joining is essential. He articulated concerns about individuals whose objectives do not align with the core issues but instead seek to leverage the students’ struggle for their political ends. Kher warned that this exploitation could erode the fundamental purpose of the protest.

For Kher, the moment outsiders insert themselves into the core movement, genuine student sentiments risk being overshadowed. He remarked, “The moment outsiders begin entering your movement, political opportunists who make it a point to appear at every protest, people whose goal is not your cause but their own agenda, that is the moment you must become cautious.”

Importance of Integrity in Student Movements

He reiterated the necessity of maintaining the integrity of their protest, stating that students must not allow anyone to reshape their narrative. While he acknowledged the instinct to welcome all support, he stressed that not all backing stems from authentic solidarity. This caution was highlighted with the assertion that outsiders might dilute the original aims of the protest by shifting focus onto themselves.

He expressed that such situations could lead to a misappropriation of the students’ voices, with external parties transforming their struggles into personal platforms. Kher urged the students to remain steadfast in their objectives and to ensure that their fight is genuinely representative of their aspirations. “Your truth gets pushed into the background. Your struggle must remain your own. Do not let it become a platform for someone else’s ambitions,” he advised.

Emphasising the critical role of dissent, Kher underscored that challenging authority is a rightful aspect of democracy. Citizens should feel empowered to ask difficult questions, yet it is equally crucial that the essence of the movement remains intact. He proclaimed that students are the “greatest asset of any nation,” and urged them to harness their energy, honesty, and idealism without being misused by those seeking personal gain.

Recent Context of Student Protests

Kher’s remarks follow an incident where violence erupted during the students’ Chalo Sansad march to Parliament as the Monsoon Session commenced. Reports indicate clashes between students and police, with allegations from students about police brutality, while authorities claimed that their personnel were also attacked. This march was a significant component of the Cockroach Janta Party’s ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar, which has been ongoing for more than 23 days.

The movement gained momentum with the participation of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who initiated an indefinite hunger strike to further advocate for reforms. Protesters have outlined a series of demands, including significant changes to India’s education system, accountability regarding the NEET paper leak, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, as they continue to rally at Jantar Mantar for their rights.

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