Key facts
- Thousands of students are protesting alleged NEET irregularities and demanding education reforms.
- Bollywood actors Sonu Sood, Vir Das, Dia Mirza, Soha Ali Khan, and others have voiced solidarity with the students.
- Sikh organizations, including the Hemkunt Foundation, are providing food and aid to thousands of protesters daily.
- Gurdwaras in Delhi are offering shelter, food (langar), and medical aid to students.
- Protesters attempted a 'Sansad Chalo' march towards Parliament, resulting in clashes with security forces.
Thousands of students protesting alleged irregularities in India's National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) are receiving widespread support from the public, including Bollywood celebrities and Sikh community organizations. The protests, centered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, have seen a significant influx of aid, with food deliveries from services like Zomato and Swiggy, and substantial support from Sikh volunteers.
Several prominent figures from the Indian film industry, including Sonu Sood, Vir Das, Dia Mirza, Soha Ali Khan, and Aditi Rao Hydari, have publicly expressed solidarity with the students. Sonu Sood called for empathy from authorities, while Vir Das urged fellow artists to speak out. Dia Mirza condemned the use of force against peaceful demonstrators, and Soha Ali Khan praised the youth for their courage.
Sikh organizations, notably the Hemkunt Foundation, have been providing meals to thousands of protesters daily. Gurdwaras across Delhi, including Bangla Sahib and Rakab Ganj Sahib, have opened their doors, offering shelter, food (langar), and medical assistance to students. These community efforts aim to support the students as they demand accountability and broader education reforms, especially following clashes with security personnel during a march towards Parliament.