New Delhi, June 28 -- By the ninth day of the sit-in at Jantar Mantar, a protest that began over alleged irregularities in examinations had evolved into a wider debate on accountability, public education and the future of students in India. Among the students gathered at the protest site, one word surfaced repeatedly - "corrupt" - reflecting what many described as the prevailing condition of the country's education system.
The agitation, being organised under the banner of CJP since June 20, gathered further momentum on Sunday after activist Sonam Wangchuk launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding accountability and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Before beginning his fast, Wangchuk visited Rajghat along with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and other members of the organisation. Addressing supporters later in the day, he said the decision to undertake the hunger strike came after repeated appeals and demands allegedly failed to receive any response.
"When there is no accountability, we are left with the only path available in a democracy - peaceful protest," Wangchuk said. He stressed that the movement was not limited to seeking the resignation of a minister, but aimed to initiate a broader discussion on making India's education system more student-centric, responsive and accountable. He also expressed concern over the growing mental distress among students and argued that issues relating to examination management and educational policy required urgent public as well as parliamentary attention.
Later, Dipke clarified that he would not participate in the indefinite fast due to migraine-related health issues.
In a show of solidarity with Wangchuk, six student leaders associated with the All India Students' Association (AISA) also announced that they would join the indefinite hunger strike.
Aditi, president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union, said the agitation represented a larger struggle concerning education and public institutions. She argued that replacing individuals alone would not address deeper structural problems and questioned the growing dependence on centralised examination systems. Neha, president of AISA, said the decision to join the fast intended to strengthen demands for accountability, examination reforms and greater access to education.
At a small library established within the protest venue, Mohit, an SRCC student representing AISF, said movements survive not only through mobilisation but also through ideas. "Public education should remain accessible, affordable and scientific," he said, describing the library as a space for discussion and critical thinking alongside protest activities. As evening descended on Jantar Mantar, the slogans gradually gave way to quieter conversations. Yet the central question raised by the protesters remained unchanged: who is accountable when students lose faith in the education system?
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.