Why did Greta Thunberg suddenly join a protest for Indian students?
Climate and environmental activist Greta Thunberg joined a protest in London on Sunday organised by the UK unit of the Students' Federation of India (SFI-UK), expressing solidarity with the Indian student movement that has dominated headlines in recent weeks over alleged examination irregularities.
Images and videos shared by SFI leaders showed Thunberg attending the demonstration alongside protesters holding placards supporting Indian students. The protest was organised outside the Indian High Commission in London, according to SFI-UK.
SFI President V. P. Sanu shared photographs from the event on social media, writing, "Famous social and environment activist Greta Thunberg showed up in solidarity with the Indian student movement at London protest organised by SFI-UK today. The student movement has given global activists hope about the power of the people. Thank you for your solidarity."
What was the protest about?
The London demonstration was organised in support of the nationwide student movement in India that emerged over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak controversy.
Student groups, youth organisations and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanded greater transparency in examinations, accountability for those responsible for paper leaks and reforms to India's examination system. One of the key demands was the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The protests gathered momentum after thousands of students assembled at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Activist Sonam Wangchuk later joined the movement through an indefinite hunger strike, bringing greater national attention to the campaign.
July 20 crackdown became a turning point
The movement intensified after protesters attempted to march towards Parliament on July 20.
The Delhi Police stopped the march, leading to clashes between security personnel and protesters. Several students sustained injuries during the confrontation, while opposition parties and protesters alleged excessive use of force, including the use of pellet guns and assaults by individuals in plain clothes. Delhi Police denied using pellet guns, while the CRPF did not publicly respond to allegations involving the Rapid Action Force.
The incident triggered widespread political debate, with opposition parties demanding accountability and raising the issue in Parliament.
Protest ends after Pradhan's resignation
After 36 days of protests, the agitation ended on July 26 following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union Education Minister.
The Centre also assured protesters that it would address several of their other demands. Pralhad Joshi was given additional charge of the Education Ministry, while the government announced a series of measures, including a proposed amendment to anti-paper leak laws, fast-track courts for examination offences and a high-powered task force on examination reforms headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani.
Global solidarity
Greta Thunberg's appearance at the London protest reflects international solidarity expressed by some activists with the Indian student movement. While Thunberg has previously participated in demonstrations related to climate change, human rights and social justice, her participation in the London event marked support for students seeking examination reforms and greater accountability in India's education system.