Discussions regarding the education system have intensified in the country recently. The scandal involving the leak of NEET examination tickets, student demonstrations, the Sonam Wangchuk movement, and youth demands for reforms in the educational system have captured the nation's attention.
In this atmosphere, student protests are actively discussed on social media, bringing to mind many Bollywood films that did not just entertain but powerfully depicted anger, struggle, politics, and the pursuit of change among students on the big screen. Seven such movies are presented.
'Rang De Basanti' (2006) is considered one of the most iconic films about student movements. In it, a group of carefree college students raises their voice against a corrupt system after the death of a friend, and their protest gradually transforms into a large-scale popular movement. Today, as youth speak about the education system and governmental accountability, this film seems very relevant.
'Yuva' (2004) by Manratnam demonstrates the power of student politics. In the film, Ajay Devgn plays an energetic student leader who urges the youth not just to protest, but also to participate in politics to change the system. This picture shows that change comes not only through slogans but also through participation.
Sudhir Mishra's film 'Hazaron Khwahishen Aisey' (2005) narrates political upheavals and student movements of the 1970s. Through the lives of three students from St. Stephen's College, the film shows how youth risk their entire lives for social transformation. It seriously illuminates the Naxalite movement and the political consciousness of students.
Anurag Kashyap's 'Gulal' (2009) presents university politics, the thirst for power, separatism, and clashes between student organizations in a raw and realistic manner. The film asserts that student movements are not limited to idealism but sometimes become part of the political struggle for power.
'Haasil' (2003) tells a story of politics, crime, and the youth's struggle against the backdrop of student politics at Aligarh University. The film demonstrates how politics in educational institutions is often subject to the influence of force and crime, which affects the future of students.
Prakash Jha's film 'Aarakshan' (2011) is based on sensitive issues such as the education system, social justice, and reservation. The film focuses on demonstrations, protests, and student debates regarding reservation policy. It shows how decisions concerning education affect the entire society and youth.
'Hurdang' (2022) is directly related to the Mandela Commission movement of the 1990s. Through students studying at Aligarh University, the film illustrates how mass student protests against government decisions swept across the country. In the current era, when demonstrations over education and youth are once again observed, this film serves as a reminder of those historical movements.
Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament, Dimple Yadav, along with other party members, traveled from Parliament to Jantarkhand Mantar to support the protest by the Congress People's Party (CJP). The protest was organized against the alleged leak of NEET exam materials and violations in the education system.
Carrying a placard that read 'NEET hai, ki Cheat hai' (Is this NEET or cheating?), Dimple Yadav stated that they support the students. She emphasized that the entire process is corrupt, and it is the youth and students who bear the burden of this process, experiencing severe mental stress.
According to Dimple Yadav, the situation across the country is such that the youth want to voice their concerns, but the government refuses to listen or engage in dialogue. She noted that students have repeatedly expressed this opinion, and Sonam Wangchuk also called on the government to start a dialogue. Nevertheless, the government demonstrates rigidity and indifference, ignoring the opinions of others.
Dimple Yadav, who is the wife of Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, told the news agency ANI that people across the country are suffering—whether farmers, environmental issues, or youth—but the government is unwilling to accept any comments or solve problems. She added that students are simply demanding fair exams, but this government does not support either fair exams or fair elections.
Akhilesh Yadav also accused the government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of ignoring student problems and reported multiple leaks of examination materials in Uttar Pradesh. He stated that an audit conducted in Uttar Pradesh revealed that over 20 examination papers were leaked, and no one was arrested because individuals associated with the BJP were involved.
Opposition members stood up, chanting slogans in support of the students protesting at Jantarkhand Mantar, as well as in protest against the subsequent actions of the police. Earlier, after the materials were presented in the Upper House, opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge spoke about the NEET-UG 2026 material leak, stating that it affects the future of hundreds of thousands of students.
Kharge reported that thousands of students arrived at Jantarkhand Mantar (where the protest is taking place) and were subjected to lathi charges. He stated that the government is trying to suppress and silence this issue, while opposition members stood and shouted 'shame, shame.'
According to eyewitnesses, Delhi Police used batons and sticks to disperse hundreds of students and youth activists who marched from Mandi House metro station towards Jantarkhand Mantar on Monday, attempting to reach the CJP protest site. Protesters, including a large number of women, chanted slogans against the Centre while moving towards Jantarkhand Mantar. A large number of Delhi Police personnel were present in the area, trying to prevent the procession's advance.
A large number of protesters gathered at Jantarkhand Mantar on Monday attempted to organize their 'Chalo Sansad' march, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan regarding the alleged NEET material leak. The situation escalated due to clashes between the police and demonstrators, as security personnel tried to stop them from crossing barricades. The police maintained a heavy presence, setting up several layers of barricades across the New Delhi area to control the movement of protesters.
