29/07/2026
Regarding the latest protest in Jantar Mantar.
I believe both the government and some protesters need to reflect on what happened.
I appreciate the students who came out to protest peacefully. In a democracy, every citizen has the right to question, criticize, and hold those in power accountable. If people feel the need to take to the streets, it often raises a deeper question: Were they given a genuine opportunity to be heard in the first place? Governments should be willing to listen, engage in dialogue, and respond to criticism instead of allowing situations to escalate.
At the same time, the reported use of force against students is deeply concerning. Peaceful voices should be met with conversation, not confrontation.
However, this is not a one-sided issue. While I admire the courage of many young people who stood up for what they believe in, I was equally disappointed by the abusive and vulgar language used by some protesters against an elderly person. Fighting for your rights should never come at the cost of respect and basic human decency. Strong arguments don't need filthy words.
No one was completely right. A government must learn to listen before frustration turns into protest. Protesters, too, must remember that the strength of a movement lies not only in its cause but also in the dignity with which it is carried out.
I only wish it hadn't taken all this chaos for people to feel that their voices mattered. A healthy democracy should make room for dialogue long before the streets become the only place left to speak.
