Dubai-based Malayali sponsored 23 employees to join Delhi student protest; group returns with pride

A group of 23 Malayali expatriate workers flew from Dubai to Jantar Mantar in Delhi to stand with students protesting against the NEET paper leak and demanding the Union Education Minister's resignation. Determined to remain at the protest site until the students' demands were met, they arrived expecting a prolonged agitation.

Their employer, Shaji Nilambur, owner of Dubai-based Abreco Freight, bore the entire cost of the journey for all 23 employees, including flight tickets, accommodation and food. 

Prepared for a prolonged protest

Led by Irshad, Anfas and Toyo, the group reached the national capital committed to extending moral support to the protesters. During the agitation, internet services were disrupted, making it difficult for them to stay in touch with their families and employer in Dubai. Despite the communication challenges, they remained resolute and prepared to stay at the protest venue until the movement achieved its objective.

Although they had prepared for a prolonged protest, the agitation concluded successfully later on the day they arrived. The workers joined the students in celebrating the movement's successful conclusion before returning to Dubai. They described the experience as one of the proudest moments of their lives, having stood in solidarity with the protesters and witnessed the culmination of a movement that had drawn global attention.