Letters to The Editor — July 27, 2026 - The HinduPublished - July 27, 2026 12:24 am ISTYouth power triumphsThe Government rarely blinks, having retreated only twice this decade: first over the contentious farm laws, and now in the face of widespread youth anger over systemic failures in national examinations. Standard strategies to diffuse resistance, including the use of force and attempts to discredit the agitation, backfired against a disciplined, decentralised, and digitally savvy youth movement. Crucially, this protest drew participation from social groups within the ruling party’s core support base, making prolonged resistance electorally costly. While the removal of the Union Education Minister is aimed at projecting responsiveness, it exposes a rare vulnerability: a muscular administration struggles when confronted by a self-sustaining, non-partisan public movement with legitimate demands. However, political Opposition parties have little reason to celebrate; the youth’s success only highlights the failure of organised politics to serve as an effective platform for public grievances. The renewal of Indian democracy increasingly rests in the hands of a vigilant civil society. The imperative now is structural reform to restore complete integrity and trust in competitive examination bodies.S. Padmanabhan,Kochi, KeralaThe demonstrations have also sent a strong message to the (electronic) media, prompting questions about its role and credibility. Many protesters referred to television news channels as “Godi Media” and prevented them from covering the protest. This has reinforced the perception among many that sections of the electronic media are biased in favour of the government. As the fourth pillar of democracy, the media must now reflect on its role and strive for greater transparency, balance, and credibility.Dattaprasad Shirodkar,MumbaiThe 26-day fast by Sonam Wangchuk and the agitations across India are more than sufficient proof that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) should be abolished. The scale of the protests has highlighted the student community’s immense frustration with the Union Government. The BJP government’s insistence on maintaining its stand despite widespread unrest across the country suggested that it was more interested in preserving majoritarian politics than in upholding democratic values.N.G.R. Prasad,ChennaiGen Z has led the way. The veil of invincibility surrounding the Narendra Modi government has certainly fallen, thanks to the success of the ‘Monsoon Revolution’ spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party. India’s conventional mainstream political parties have much to learn from the spirited and no-nonsense conduct of the protests, which were free of extraneous influences. The political landscape will hopefully undergo a positive churn if all stakeholders approach politics with passion, vision, and unbiased judgment.Ayyasseri Raveendranath,Aranmula, KeralaThe way Gen Z sought accountability from an authoritarian regime was courageous. But the Minister’s resignation is not the real success. The main problems lie within the system, and Gen Z seems to be forgetting this. If one Minister resigns, another will take their place and do whatever the higher authority demands. If we want accountability from politicians, we must recognise the power of the ballot. It is the only way to make politicians fear public opinion. The resignation is not the solution; it is like changing the tyres of a motorbike when the engine itself is at fault.K. Jashwanth,HyderabadWhile leaders must be held accountable for genuine failures, making resignation the immediate response to every protest can set a dangerous precedent. It may encourage groups to organise demonstrations for every issue, expecting resignations instead of constructive solutions. This could lead to political instability, frequent disruptions, and weaken democratic institutions. Public protests are essential in a democracy, but accountability should follow fair investigations and due process, not public pressure alone. Governments must address grievances responsibly while ensuring that governance remains stable and effective.Navya Saraf,HyderabadThe students’ popular street protest against the NEET paper leaks has achieved what no Opposition party could: it led to the resignation of a Union Minister on grounds of moral responsibility for the first time during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure since 2014. Even after the devastating Balasore train collision, which claimed 296 lives, the Railway Minister did not resign, accepting moral responsibility.The government’s initial adamant and authoritarian response ultimately gave way to sustained public pressure, as it bowed to a united student movement demanding accountability and reform. The episode serves as a reminder that no government can remain complacent or unaccountable in the face of serious public grievances. When people’s frustrations accumulate, they eventually find an outlet through collective action.The government should treat this as an opportunity to adopt a more inclusive and responsive approach to governance, rather than one perceived as arrogant and dismissive of public concerns.D. Sethuraman,Chennai It is increasingly evident that policing has become far more challenging in today’s digitally connected society. Every police action is recorded, edited, and shared within minutes on social media. While transparency is an essential feature of democracy, selective or incomplete presentation of events can sometimes erode public trust and make impartial law enforcement more difficult.Public protests are a legitimate democratic right and an integral part of our constitutional framework. At the same time, when protests turn violent or public property is damaged, the police have a constitutional duty to restore order while respecting the rights of citizens. Striking this delicate balance requires professionalism, restraint, accountability, and public cooperation.A matter of growing concern is the increasing involvement of students and young people in confrontational street politics. Educational institutions should nurture critical thinking, constitutional values, civic responsibility, and informed citizenship. Young people should never become instruments of any political agenda at the cost of their education, future, or confidence in public institutions. Their participation in public life should be guided by knowledge, constitutional values, and informed judgment rather than emotion or political mobilisation.Similarly, serious incidents such as examination paper leakages demand prompt criminal investigation, prosecution of those responsible, and comprehensive systemic reforms. Public debate and accountability are natural and necessary in a democracy. However, the primary objective must remain uncovering the truth, strengthening institutions, and ensuring that the guilty are brought to justice through due process rather than allowing political narratives to overshadow institutional reform.The police today face multiple challenges. They are expected to maintain public order with patience, professionalism, and restraint, often under intense public scrutiny, provocation, and real-time social media commentary. Every action is instantly analysed, criticised, and judged, sometimes without the full facts being available. Supporting professional, impartial, and accountable policing is therefore essential for preserving public confidence and upholding the rule of law.The way forward requires a balanced approach that safeguards both democratic freedoms and institutional integrity.First, there must be zero tolerance for violence against police personnel, public servants, or public property, while simultaneously protecting every citizen’s constitutional right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.Second, educational institutions should promote civic and digital literacy so that young people are equipped to distinguish peaceful democratic participation from violence, vandalism, misinformation, and online manipulation. Responsible citizenship begins with informed decision-making.Third, criminal investigations into serious offences such as examination paper leaks should be allowed to proceed independently, professionally, and free from political pressure or premature public conclusions. Accountability must be determined by evidence and the rule of law.Finally, trust between the police, educational institutions, civil society, and citizens must be strengthened through continuous dialogue, transparency, community engagement, and mutual respect. Sustainable public order can only be achieved when institutions enjoy public confidence.Ultimately, internal peace cannot become a casualty of political competition. If confidence in institutions such as the police, the judiciary, and the education system is steadily weakened, democracy itself becomes more vulnerable.Many of the iconic leaders of India’s freedom movement sacrificed comfort, wealth, careers, and even their lives for the nation. They marched, endured imprisonment, slept on roads, and faced hunger—not for publicity, but for a cause greater than themselves. Their sacrifices earned them moral authority and the enduring respect of the nation.This raises important questions for every citizen. How many members of political families who organise or lead public agitations ask their own children to stand on the front lines? Where are the sons and daughters of many influential political leaders? Are they participating alongside ordinary citizens, or are they pursuing higher education, managing family businesses, or building successful careers away from the public gaze?These are legitimate questions in a democracy. Citizens are entitled to expect consistency between public messaging and private choices. Leadership acquires credibility when those who call upon others to make sacrifices are prepared to make similar sacrifices themselves.The growing participation of celebrities in politics also deserves thoughtful reflection. Public recognition may attract attention and mobilise support, but democratic leadership cannot rest on popularity alone. It is ultimately measured by integrity, competence, accountability, constitutional values, public service, sound judgment, and a willingness to make personal sacrifices for the common good.The leaders of India’s freedom movement earned the nation’s respect through decades of selfless dedication and sacrifice. Their legacy reminds us that public leadership is judged not by visibility or rhetoric, but by lifelong commitment to national welfare and institution-building.For students and young people, the greater challenge remains unchanged.Your greatest contribution to the nation is not merely joining the loudest debate or the largest protest. It is becoming an excellent doctor, engineer, scientist, teacher, entrepreneur, judge, police officer, public servant, farmer, skilled worker, or innovator. Nations are built through knowledge, character, professional excellence, innovation, ethical conduct, and dedicated public service.India needs informed citizens who think critically, question responsibly, participate peacefully in democratic processes, strengthen institutions, create employment, encourage scientific temper, promote innovation, protect the environment, respect diversity, and uphold the rule of law.History ultimately remembers those who leave behind stronger institutions, better opportunities, scientific progress, social harmony, and lasting public service—not merely louder slogans or momentary political victories.The future of India will be shaped less by those who trend on social media and more by those who dedicate themselves to learning, integrity, hard work, innovation, constitutional values, and selfless service to the nation.S. ArumugasamyChennaiPublished - July 27, 2026 12:24 am ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }