Cinema VinesIn the wake of last month’s student‑led protests over the NEET UG paper leak, Indian youth have demonstrated their capacity to drive change. The demonstrations, which spanned the country, called for accountability and drew support from a wide range of celebrities. Among those who joined the chorus was actress Gul Panag, who publicly praised the students’ dedication and stood beside them.
Panag expressed admiration for the generation’s willingness to go to great lengths for what they believe is right. “Young people are no longer willing to simply complain among themselves or accept that nothing will change,” she said. “They are showing up, organising peacefully, asking questions and demanding accountability. That is exactly what democratic participation should look like.”
She cited the Jantar Mantar protests as evidence that the younger generation’s demands cannot be dismissed because of their age. “I think Jantar Mantar proved that the youth can no longer be dismissed,” she asserted. “They may not all be part of the electorate yet, but they can influence the electorate, shape the national conversation and compel those in power to respond. Once that happens, there is no going back.”
Addressing criticism that Gen Z is flimsy or commitment‑phobic, Panag argued the opposite. “This generation was perhaps dismissed too quickly as flimsy, frivolous or interested only in social media,” she said. “But social media is also how they inform themselves, organise and amplify their voices. What we are seeing now is a generation that is deeply aware of what affects its future and is prepared to stand up for it.”
