STUDENTS HAILED THE VICOTRY OF STRUGGLES

STUDENTS HAILED THE VICOTRY OF STRUGGLES

26-JULY-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA----------------------------On the sixth day of the indefinite sit-in protest held at the Jayaprakash Memorial Open-Air Stage in Ara (Bihar)—organized by civil society to support nationwide student struggles and protest against the dismal state of education, the uncertain future of the youth, and an insensitive system—protesters welcomed the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. They hailed it as a significant achievement resulting from the peaceful struggles of students across the country and sustained public pressure.

Addressing the gathering, speakers remarked that these developments demonstrate how democratic and peaceful mass movements can serve as catalysts for societal change. They noted that the steadfastness with which students raised demands for their rights, a transparent examination system, and accountability in education serves as an inspiration for the youth nationwide. Following the news of the resignation, the protesters expressed their joy, stating that this step should have been taken much earlier.

The speakers emphasized that a minister's resignation is not the ultimate goal in itself. True success will be achieved only when transparency in the examination system is ensured, incidents like paper leaks are permanently halted, strict action is taken against the guilty, and concrete institutional reforms are implemented to safeguard the students' future.

The students, youth, social activists, and citizens present at the protest reiterated their resolve to continue the struggle for comprehensive reforms in the education system and the protection of democratic rights.

Today, individuals including Yashwant Singh, Ashok Manav, Vijay Mehta, Ashutosh Kumar Pandey, Dr. Brajesh Kumar Singh, Sanjay Kumar Pandey, Neeta Kumari, Prof. Nilambuj Saroj, Rupa Kumari, Mantu Singh, Sunil Kumar Singh, Madhu Kumari, Shivani Kumari, and Sushil Kumar—along with other students, intellectuals, and concerned citizens—visited the protest site to extend their support to the movement.

Finally, it was decided that a general meeting would be held tomorrow, July 26, 2024 (the seventh day of the protest), to discuss future strategies.