Our generation deserves every opportunity to learn: Shubman Gill on NEET protests
India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill shared a message on social media on Thursday calling for compassion, mutual respect and greater opportunities for young people as student protests against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination continued across the country.
Gill did not directly mention the protests or the NEET controversy in his post. Instead, he spoke broadly about education, peaceful expression, and the importance of keeping students’ interests at the fore.
“As a young Indian, I believe our generation deserves every opportunity to learn, dream and shape the future we all aspire to,” Gill wrote on X.
The Indian captain also expressed support for those who chose peaceful means to express their concerns.
“I have tremendous respect for any young person who believes in having their voice heard peacefully,” he said.
Gill concluded his message by emphasizing the importance of education, writing, “Education has the power to shape the future of our nation. I hope we move forward with compassion, mutual respect and keeping the best interests of every student at heart. For the future of India.” Shubman Gill’s Instagram Stories post amid ongoing student protests. (Image: Screengrab from Instagram Stories/@shubmangill)
PROTESTS ARE SITUATED
Gill’s statement comes as protests that began on July 20 are still gaining momentum across the country. The demonstrations turned violent at several places and the police resorted to lathi charge on many occasions citing law and order concerns.
He is at the head of the agitation Cockroach Janata Party with support from environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is doing an indefinite fast.
Protesters are demanding the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and holding him responsible for the alleged NEET paper leak that forced the authorities to conduct a retest. The controversy has also been linked to several student suicides, further fueling calls for accountability and reforms in the examination system.
VOICES PATHAN WORRY
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan also reacted to the controversy, expressing concern over the alleged paper leak and its impact on students and their families.
“Every student puts in years of hard work for a better future and their families also make sacrifices. No paper leak should be allowed to take that hope away,” Pathan wrote on X. Irfan Pathan also shared solidarity with the students. (Image: X/@IrfanPathan)
He added that he trusts the authorities to ensure that every student gets a fair chance and called for measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“I have every confidence that our country’s authorities will ensure that each of them is given a fair chance. I also hope that every possible step will be taken to ensure that this never happens again.”
Pathan captioned his message saying, “Our students are our future. Protect their dreams.”
NO POLITICAL OPINION
Although Gill’s post was shared against the backdrop of ongoing protests, it did not directly refer to the demonstrations, the alleged paper leak or the demands made by the protesters.
He also did not name any political party, organization or protest group, nor did he indicate support for any particular movement. Instead, his statement remained focused on education, peaceful expression and making sure students remain at the heart of the conversation.
As Gill and Pathan joined a growing list of public figures speaking out on the issue, Indian cricket began to weigh in on the national conversation surrounding the NEET controversy, although the two cricketers took different tones in their messages.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
23 Jul 2026 21:44 IST