‘Some problems belong to all of us’: Abhinav Bindra urges ‘strengthening education system’ amid student protests

Security personnel stop a protester near Jantar Mantar during a protest march in New Delhi. NEW DELHI: India’s first Olympic medalist Abhinav Bindra on Thursday called for an education system that “instills confidence” as protests against alleged irregularities in the NEET exam continue across the country, with several students dying of suicide.Without directly commenting on the ongoing protests or demands for the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Bindra said the focus should remain on building a transparent, merit-based education system.“I have never considered myself a political person. But I believe that some issues belong to all of us, regardless of where we stand. Education is one of them,” Bindra wrote on X.“The measure of a nation is not only found in its economy or its achievements, but in the opportunities it creates for its young people. An education system that inspires confidence, rewards merit and encourages curiosity is one of a nation’s greatest strengths,” he added.“I hope we can all come together and work together to continually strengthen our education system so that it remains a source of opportunity, innovation and hope for generations to come,” he said.India’s Grandmaster Nihal Sarin also spoke on the issue and said that he was deeply concerned about the pressure students face while preparing for important exams and that such concerns should not be ignored.“We must be responsible,” Sarin wrote on X.“As a young Indian who is proud to represent this nation, I feel pain. The pressure a youngster is under when he appears for a critical exam is not trivial. To sweep it under the carpet is unacceptable,” he added.The protests are being led by the Cockroach Janata Party and environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk is extending support through an indefinite fast.Wangchuk, who was fasting at Jantar Mantar, was first taken to Safdarjung Hospital after doctors expressed concern over his declining vital signs.He was later shifted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after his wife approached the Delhi High Court seeking his transfer from the government hospital.On 20 July, thousands of students attempted to march towards Parliament to protest the irregularities in the NEET examination. The march was stopped by the Delhi Police who used tear gas and lathi charge to disperse the protesters.

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