Why the youth protests across the country found a strong echo with Indian students in Germany

On July 19, a small group of Indian students in Berlin held a demonstration at the iconic Brandenburg Gate to protest against the mismanagement of the NEET-UG examination for seats in medical colleges in their home country.

Since then, protests have been held in other German cities such as Stuttgart and Frankfurt.

The students say their agitation against the leak of the test paper is also an attempt to draw attention to the rising authoritarianism in their home country.

“We are fighting the regime,” said Avni G, a protester in Berlin. “We are peaceful protesters. But we want to raise bigger questions – from paper leak to the atrocities of the government, their fascist agenda.”

This week, there have been at least four demonstrations in Berlin at tourist-friendly public landmarks such as Alexanderplatz. The protestors say that they aim to ensure that they are visible to passers-by even as they are careful not to disrupt life but to ensure.

On July 21, demonstrators also gathered in front of the Indian Embassy in Berlin standing in solidarity with the students in India. They read out poetry and held up placards. “Educate, Agitate, Organise”, said one, echoing BR Ambedkar’s advice. Another said, “Hum Dekhenge”, the title of the stirring poem by Faiz...

Read more