Mumbai: Several celebrities, including Priyanka Chopra, Prakash Raj and Armaan Malik, have reacted to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s reported resignation, with social media users describing the development as a “victory for students.”
The resignation comes amid weeks of student protests over alleged NEET paper leaks and examination irregularities, sparking widespread reactions online.
Global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas reacted to the development on Saturday by sharing a series of emojis on journalist Faye D’Souza’s Instagram post about the resignation. Her response featured applause, celebration and a red heart emoji.
Singer Armaan Malik posted, “Power of the youth.”
Actor Prakash Raj, who has been a regular presence at the protests at Jantar Mantar, wrote, “Congratulations ❤️❤️❤️ my Dear Cockroaches.. Dear Sonam wangchuk sir and every single one who stood by the youth . You Have proved that you can bring a regime down to its knees . 💪💪💪#justasking.”
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Vijay Varma also took to Instagram to write, “Accha chalta hoon.. duaaon mein yaad rakhna (I’ll take my leave now… keep me in your prayers).”
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Actor Tillotama Shome shared, “Dharmendra Pradhan Has resigned as Union Education Minister.Most fortunate to witness this historic Revolution led by our youth. “Youth is wasted on the young” can retire officially. And other tired cliches and cynical smart Alecs. And, NO, not back to business as usual. Thank you thank you to the YOUTH of INDIA!!!”
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Telugu actor-filmmaker Rahul Ravindran wrote, “And the resignation has happened. It’s no reason to celebrate. A person losing their job never is. But this is crucial. It is important that a strong culture and precedent is set time and again that people in the highest positions of power will face the consequences of repeat lapses and inefficiencies. That is a very basic check in every sphere of public service. It creates a culture of accountability in any democracy. Ten Lakh teaching jobs are lying vacant in the country. Many rural schools don’t have a single functioning teacher. Many more schools do not have access to drinking water for children. Our population spends more hard earned money on private education than the union budget for education.”
“And of course, Question Papers leak all the time. I hope those responsible for the indiscriminate use of brutal force on students and peaceful protestors are held accountable and face consequences. Every single person who contributed in the smallest of ways to the biggest to mobilise this roar that was heard in the corridors of power… we shouldn’t have had to do so much to be heard. But it was done. And change was forced. Every single one of you is a patriot of the highest order. Jai Hind,” he concluded.
Actor Manav Kaul wrote, “I love you …. YUVA … ye desh tumhare hai .. tumhare haathon mein hai ab sab kuch … khel jaao ♥️♥️♥️ Bahut bahut badhaaiyaan ♥️ Jai hind 🇮🇳.”
Ishaan Khatter stated, “India won today. Democracy won today. Millions of collective empathy flushed out millions of years of apathy of habits. So damn proud. THIS is my India I grew up in. Maa tujhe salaam ♥️✊🏽.”
On July 25, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he had tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He wrote, “The youth power of India is the real strength of this country. We will not let the youth power of the country get trapped in a vicious cycle of illusion; this is my resolve Anti-national forces should not take advantage of the situation that has arisen at Jantar Mantar and in the country, the unity of the country should be maintained, the future of not even a single student of India should get entangled in legal complexities, and our children should spend their time studying and focusing on building their careers. Considering all these things, I have sent my resignation letter to the Honorable Prime Minister.”
The reported resignation comes amid nearly a month of student protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
Protesters have been demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities and calling for sweeping reforms in India’s education system.
The agitation gained further momentum after educator and activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the hunger strike, which continued for 26 days.
On July 20, protesters attempted to march from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament but were stopped by security personnel, who reportedly resorted to lathi charge and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.
A few days later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that all those accused in the NEET paper leak case had been arrested.
He also announced that fast-track courts would be established to ensure the cases were heard and decided swiftly.
