SFI-UK Organised Protests in 4 UK Cities In Solidarity with the Students in India

London: The Students' Federation of India - United Kingdom (SFI-UK) has announced its solidarity with the ongoing protests in India against the failures of the nation's education system. The demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and the minister is being held accountable for recent question paper leaks and other controversies.

On 20th JULY, SFI-UK organized demonstrations across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, and London to back the ongoing student movement in India and demand a fair, transparent education system.

Months of protests across India were sparked by the cancellation of the NEET-UG medical entrance examination in early May following a major paper leak, which devastated aspirants and triggered multiple student suicides. The movement gained massive momentum after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant referred to unemployed youth and activists as "cockroaches" and "parasites" during a May court hearing. Founded as a satirical political parody by Abhijeet Dipke in response to the CJI's remarks, the CJP rapidly morphed into a massive youth-led political mobilization demanding accountability.

The ongoing protest has happened for over a month. Activist Sonam Wangchuk undertook a 21-day hunger strike at the Jantar Mantar protest site in New Delhi before being forcibly hospitalized by police, intensifying public fury. Tens of thousands of protesters attempted a march toward the Parliament in New Delhi, leading to heavy clashes, tear gas use, baton charges, and numerous injuries alongside widespread political condemnation.

Protestors and opposition leaders continue to press for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, systemic educational overhauls, and an end to the suppression of peaceful dissent.