Veteran actor and filmmaker Amol Palekar has expressed his support towards the students protesting over the NEET paper leak by writing an open letter expressing solidarity with the youth-led movement. As protests continue in Delhi demanding accountability and education reforms, the actor praised the courage of the students and said they are carrying forward the unfinished business of democracy.
Amol Palekar offers legal and financial aid to students protesting over NEET paper leak: “Don’t allow anger to turn into hatred”
Addressing the protesters as “dear brave students”, Palekar wrote that he was writing not only with solidarity but also with gratitude. He wrote, “Every generation inherits the unfinished work of democracy. You have accepted both the burden and the privilege of carrying it forward.”
Draws parallels with history and literature
In his letter Palekar mentioned Albert Camus. CaligulaHaving said that, the play demonstrates how unchecked power can be divorced from moral responsibility. He said recent developments in Delhi reminded him of those topics.
The veteran actor also cited historical student movements and struggles across the world, including the Paris student protests of 1968, the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, Tiananmen Square and the Navnirman movement in Gujarat, arguing that efforts to silence youth voices have never succeeded in suppressing the desire for freedom.
“The images filled us with pain and anger”
Reacting to the alleged police action against the protesters, Palekar said that the scenes have left him deeply disturbed. “The pictures of the cruelty inflicted upon you have filled us with pain and anger,” they wrote.
He said universities are places where society learns to question itself and said asking tough questions of those in power is a democratic responsibility rather than a privilege. The actor wrote, “When questions are answered with sticks instead of logic, it does not make students weak. This is the state.”
Explains why he did not join the protests
Palekar also explained why he did not personally participate in the protest. He said advancing age has imposed physical limitations, although his commitment remains unchanged. He also said that he deliberately decided not to participate physically because he did not want the public’s attention to be diverted from the students.
He wrote, “This is your movement, your voice, your moment of moral courage. You do not need celebrity validation. Democratic movements derive their legitimacy from the courage of the people at their center, not from the visibility of those who stand with them.”
provides support to students
The actor ended his letter by assuring the students that he and his wife Sandhya will continue to support them in every possible way. He also offered legal, medical and financial assistance from his level when required. Encouraging students to remain optimistic, he wrote, “Today you can be called students. Tomorrow you will be known as the generation that chose courage rather than silence. The future belongs to those who refuse to surrender their humanity.”
The ongoing protests began over the alleged NEET paper leak and demand for systemic reforms in the education sector. The movement has received support from many members of the film industry, with many celebrities expressing solidarity with the students and calling for accountability, dialogue, and a peaceful solution.
