Vipul Indoria

Now that the protests are over, it is worth separating genuine student concerns from the political machinery that sought to exploit them. Before anyone remembers this as an “apolitical movement”, it is important to recognise the umbilical cord that connected its leadership with the Aam Aadmi Party. Many of its prominent faces had long-standing associations with Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, having worked with the AAP leadership or occupied political positions linked to the party. What was projected as a spontaneous students’ movement increasingly came to be fronted by seasoned political activists rather than ordinary students. That is not to say every participant had political motives. Many young people joined with genuine concerns. Others were emotionally persuaded that they were part of a larger cause. They deserve empathy, not cynicism. But history suggests that once the headlines fade, many will realise they were used to advance the interests of political actors rather than the interests of students. The answer to India’s educational challenges will not come from orchestrated agitation or political theatre. It will come through sustained reforms, institution-building and long-term investment. Over the past twelve years, the Modi government has consistently worked towards expanding opportunities, strengthening educational infrastructure and improving the ecosystem for future generations. This generation is impatient, and understandably so. Many have not experienced the policy paralysis and neglect of earlier decades. That makes it even more important for us to engage with them, address their concerns respectfully, and demonstrate through facts and outcomes the value that is being created. India deserves informed debate, not manufactured outrage.

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