Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has thrown his weight behind the student movement over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, urging the government to listen to the concerns of young aspirants while appealing that the agitation should not be allowed to become a political contest.
In a social media post late Wednesday, the actor expressed solidarity with students injured during the recent protests and praised the movement as a peaceful and courageous campaign for a better education system.
“It was such a peaceful movement, feel so sad that it had to take a violent turn. My heart goes out to the students and their families who were hurt. Paper leak is a very serious issue, and I am glad to know n see that the kids of our country have come together for a better educational system, and their parents supported them,” Salman wrote.
His remarks come in the wake of the police action during the 'Chalo Sansad' march, where protesters attempting to march from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament were stopped by security personnel, leading to clashes and injuries.
'This Generation Will Make India Proud'
Salman praised the students' determination, saying their protest reflected a commitment to education and the country's future.
“The stand taken by the students shows their dedication, sincerity, and keenness to study hard and make their future and a greater, educated India. This andolan, this protest, is the right way to go about it, and the students have done this peacefully. So courageous and brave. Driven and motivated towards education, this generation will make India proud.”
He also appealed for the movement to remain focused on its core demands, cautioning against political appropriation.
“This issue is between the students and the educational system, it should not be hijacked politically. The credit should only go to the students of our country, and I am sure the government will also give them all the support and make it a stronger educational system. It's a win-win situation.”
Ending his message on an optimistic note, the actor said he hoped India would one day emerge as a global destination for education.
“Hoping and praying for a positive decision. God bless all of you who wanna be educated. Education should be the next trend and fashion... so much so that people from outside come to India to study and India becomes an educational hub.”
Film Industry Rallies Behind Students
Salman Khan joins a growing list of film personalities who have spoken out on the controversy. Over the past week, actors Hrithik Roshan, Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sonakshi Sinha, Ratna Pathak Shah, Shabana Azmi, Prakash Raj, Tovino Thomas and Atul Kulkarni, among others, have criticised the police action against demonstrators and expressed support for the students' demands.
The protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar began earlier this month over allegations of irregularities in competitive examinations, including the alleged NEET paper leak. Protesters have demanded sweeping reforms in the examination system, accountability for those responsible and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The movement gathered further momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the agitation with an indefinite hunger strike. Although he was later shifted from the protest site after his health deteriorated, demonstrations have continued under the leadership of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).
The agitation reached a flashpoint during Monday's 'Chalo Sansad' march, when police used force to prevent protesters from reaching Parliament, triggering nationwide debate over both the handling of the demonstrations and the larger crisis surrounding India's examination system.
