CALL TO SAVE DEMOCRACY AND EDUCATION

CALL TO SAVE DEMOCRACY AND EDUCATION

21-JULY-ENG 14

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------A one-day symbolic fast and sit-in protest was organized on Monday at the Muktakash Manch (Open-Air Stage) of the Jayaprakash Memorial under the banner of 'Civil Society, Ara.' The event was held to protest against the police action taken against social activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, the dismal state of the education system, recurring paper leaks, and administrative apathy.

The program commenced with the garlanding of the statue of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan. Veteran theatre artist and social activist Ashok Manav, along with social activist Vijay Mehta, initiated the movement by observing a symbolic fast. Addressing the gathering, speakers stated that peaceful protest is a constitutional and democratic right of every citizen, one that cannot be suppressed under any circumstances. They emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms in the education system, effective measures to curb recurring paper leaks in competitive examinations, and concrete steps to safeguard the future of the youth.

The speakers remarked that if society remains silent on critical issues concerning education and democratic rights, the future of coming generations could face even greater peril. They called upon people from all sections of society to unite and raise their voices regarding these issues of public interest.

The sit-in and meeting were addressed by several speakers, including Sushil Kumar, Dr. Brajesh Kumar Singh, Yashwant Singh, Zakir Hussain, Prof. Nilambuj Saroj, Md. Mumtaz, Shivprakash Ranjan, Shobha Mandal, Amit Kumar Bunty, Dilraj Pritam, and Abhyuday.

During the event, hundreds of activists and supporters associated with AISA and the social organization 'Janmitra' arrived at the venue to express their solidarity with the movement. Additionally, a large number of social activists, teachers, youths, and socially conscious citizens—including Aarti Verma, Neeta Kumari, Nirma Devi, Rupa Kumari, Madhu Kumari, Md. Jahangir, Md. Parvez, Shashi Yadav, Shivani, Muskan, Pinky, and Raju Ranjan—participated in the symbolic fast and sit-in.