MAPUSA
What began as a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar is steadily echoing across the country, and on Friday evening that echo reached the heart of Mapusa.
Beneath the trees of Lohia Garden, hundreds of young people transformed a quiet public space into a chorus of dissent, sending a clear message that the outrage over the NEET paper leak and the alleged police brutality against protesting students is no longer confined to the national capital.
With chants of "Istifa do, istifa do, Dharmendra Pradhan istifa do" ("Dharmendra Pradhan resign") reverberating through the garden, students, parents, professionals and activists gathered for a peaceful solidarity protest, signalling that frustration over repeated examination controversies and the government's response is finding resonance far beyond Delhi.
Adding an unexpected dimension to the gathering was actor Abhishek Banerjee, who joined the protest and declared his support for the students' movement. "Not all actors are silent," Banerjee said, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
Recalling people's reaction when he decided to travel to Goa for the protest, Banerjee said many were surprised.
"When I told people I was going to Goa for a protest, they were quite surprised. They asked, 'How come Goans are protesting? Goa is such a laid-back place.' But that's the kind of anger the youth have. It is not limited to Jantar Mantar in Delhi anymore. It has spread across the country, and rightly so," he said.
Questioning the government's response, Banerjee added, "What type of arrogant government will not listen to its own kids? These are the future of the country. I think every one of us needs to come out of our homes, leave our jobs, leave our work and support the youth."
Among the most vocal participants was college student Priya Parab, who held a placard reading "Dharmendra Pradhan Resign" high above her head as she enthusiastically joined every slogan raised from the stage.
"My only purpose is to show solidarity with the youth who were badly beaten up by the police simply because they demanded justice, and that too peacefully," she told The Goan.
The protest also drew young parents concerned about the future of their children. Mapusa resident Cinatra Alvares attended the gathering with her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter.
"As a parent, I want my daughter to grow up in this country and have a better future. There have been too many paper leaks, unemployment is very high, and our leaders are not being held accountable," she said.
Organisers said holding the demonstration itself proved challenging. Permission to stage the protest at open public venues was denied by the administration, forcing them to eventually shift the gathering to the public garden at Lohia Garden in the heart of Mapusa.
Despite the hurdles, the turnout reflected a growing sense that the students' agitation has evolved into a wider public movement.
