“This is just the beginning…,” say the youth of Bengaluru

People celebrating after the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Sunday. | Photo credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

Students and several youth gathered at Freedom Park to celebrate the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday. While cheers and slogans criticizing the Union government rang through the air, they insisted that the movement for education reforms was far from over.

People celebrating as Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Sunday. | Photo credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

Despite the celebratory mood, speakers and protesters emphasized that their demands went beyond a single resignation and called for transparent and fair processes going forward.

A large number of students and youth celebrate the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Sunday. | Photo credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

Senior doctor Ramesh Bellamkonda said, “This (the minister’s resignation) is a small victory in a big battle,” and urged the students to continue pushing for systemic reforms.

Ashutosh, a protester, said the protests showed that young people can make their voices heard. “Looks like we’ve made sure the government knows it can’t mess with the youth. If we want something as a nation, we’re going to get it.”

Anahita, another protester, described the resignation as an important milestone rather than the end of the movement. “It’s just one step in the right direction, but it’s not over yet. We’ve reached a point where the momentum needs to continue to make a bigger difference,” she said.

The rally was organized by the All India Students’ Association, several of whose leaders also went on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

Published – 26 Jul 2026 20:45 IST