Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 23: Actor Alia Bhatt has expressed support for the ongoing student protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over the alleged paper leak issue, saying the determination shown by students has left her "heartbroken and hopeful" at the same time.
Sharing a note on social media, Alia said the students represent not only themselves but also the dreams and sacrifices of their families.
"The last few days have broken my heart and then mended it, again and again, with hope. Behind every student standing their ground is a dream, a family's hope, a journey of countless sacrifices. They represent not just themselves but everyone who has supported them, while creating a better path for those who will come after them," she wrote.
The actor further praised the students' courage, saying, "Their courage humbles me. Their resolve is a mirror held up to all of us, asking whether we are truly listening to the very people who will inherit and shape this country's tomorrow. For the students. By the students. The future is theirs. Jai Hind."
Alia's statement comes a day after actor Salman Khan also appealed for support to the students, urging that the issue should not be politicised.
In a post on X, Salman said the matter was between students and the education system and hoped the government would strengthen the system while supporting the students. He added that education should become India's biggest strength and make the country a global education hub.
The protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar have been continuing over alleged leaks in competitive examinations, including NEET-UG, with students demanding accountability, reforms in the examination system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Amid the ongoing agitation, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi alleged that more than 152 paper leak cases had occurred across the country in the past decade without any meaningful accountability. Responding to the criticism, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said the alleged paper leak cases were under investigation and assured that the NEET-UG issue would be discussed in Parliament.