Over a hundred students, activists and citizens from across Thrissur, Kerala, marched in solidarity with students protesting in Jantar Mantar, Delhi, against the 2026 NEET-UG paper leak on Thursday (July 23, 2026). The march organised by the Thrissur Solidarity Committee began at the Office of the Accountant General near Vadakke Stand and culminated with a meeting in front of the Central Post Office.
Addressing the gathering, writer Sarah Joseph said, “The protests we see are not just demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as the Education Minister; it is against the education system that has been plagued by corruption under the BJP government for the past 12 years.” She pointed out that around 152 paper leaks have occurred since 2014.
Ms. Joseph condemned the “brutal” police action against peaceful protestors in Jantar Mantar. She praised the “courage” displayed by students and recalled a video which had gone viral of students singing the national anthem in front of security personnel in Delhi.
Poet Anwar Ali said this was “a day he had been waiting for years” and it gave hope to address “other important problems” in the country. “Many people have lost their lives due to rising communalism, and the government keeps bringing draconian laws. Seeing the lack of resistance, I was filled with sorrow as I felt we have become slaves of this government. But now I have hope, seeing the students push for change.”
With placards saying ‘All eyes on Jantar Mantar’ and ‘Save education, save children’, many students and parents also came forward with songs and speeches to express their solidarity with the protestors who faced police action. They shared their experiences of paper leaks and problems they have faced during exams conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), pressing for an overhaul of the system.
For Mary, a third-year English literature student, this was her first protest. “I had to be here as the education system is rigged. A boy in my locality attempted to take his life when the NEET leak happened. Now he has left the dream to be a doctor to pursue something else.”
“I am not a Gen-Z, but when my daughter said she wanted to become a doctor, I was filled with sadness as I could not guarantee if that dream can be fulfilled if the education system remains how we see it today 10 years down the line. That is why I am here,” Sijitha, a protestor, said.
“Tens of thousands of students in Jantar Mantar are sacrificing sleep and food to protest for our generation and the future generations. We should also unite and raise our voice against injustice,” said Vysakh, a student from Thrissur Fine Arts College.
The protest organisers said the turnout has been promising and more gatherings will be held in the coming days.
Published - July 24, 2026 10:58 am IST