Entertainment

IIE DIGITAL: The Malayalam film industry has come together in support of students protesting over the alleged NEET question paper leak, with several actors, filmmakers, writers and public figures attending a solidarity gathering at Maharaja’s College in Kochi. The event was held in support of the demonstrators at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and saw the participation of Joju George, Aashiq Abu, Mahesh Narayanan, Manu Ashokan, Santhy Balachandran, Baby Jean, Ranjini Haridas, NS Madhavan, KR Meera and others. Actor Gouri G Kishan also joined the gathering with a placard carrying the message, “Listen to peaceful voices. Democracy hears everyone.”

Addressing the gathering, Joju George described the situation in the country as an “Emergency” and strongly criticised the alleged crackdown on students protesting against irregularities in the NEET examination. He said that a leak in the education system was like “slow poisoning” and warned that it could have serious consequences for the country's future. He also questioned the use of force against students who were protesting and expressed concern over the reported detention of the Leader of the Opposition.

Joju further praised the young protesters for raising their voices with awareness and conviction, saying that youth-led movements have always represented hope for the future. He expressed happiness at seeing people come together in solidarity and said that the gathering demonstrated the strength of standing united for a cause.