Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 25: Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha on Saturday praised India's Generation Z for its role in the nationwide student movement that culminated in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, calling the youth an inspiration for the country.
Sharing a video on Instagram, Sonakshi expressed admiration for the determination shown by students during the protests against alleged examination irregularities, particularly the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.
In the video, the actress said she was deeply impressed by the achievements of the younger generation and described Gen Z as a force capable of bringing about meaningful change. She remarked that while she is an artist by profession, the courage and resolve displayed by the country's youth made them the true "art," adding that she now wished she belonged to their generation.
Sonakshi repeatedly saluted the students for their perseverance and praised their ability to unite around a common cause, saying their movement had demonstrated the power of collective action.
Her remarks came shortly after Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down as Union Education Minister following weeks of protests demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET-UG paper leak.
The agitation gathered momentum after Delhi Police dispersed protesters at Jantar Mantar on July 20, an action that triggered widespread criticism and led to demonstrations in several cities and towns across the country.
The protests had intensified further after climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk was removed by Delhi Police from the protest site during the early hours of July 18 after completing 21 days of an indefinite hunger strike. Authorities shifted him to a hospital, citing concerns over his deteriorating health, medical advice and compliance with a Delhi High Court directive.
Wangchuk had been demanding the resignation of the Education Minister and stronger action to address alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.
Following Pradhan's resignation, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi was appointed as the new Union Education Minister. The student movement has since been widely discussed as one of the most significant youth-led protests in recent years, drawing support from public figures, activists and opposition leaders across the country.