Mumbai Paper Leak Protests: Families Join Youth in Demand for Education Reform
On the sixth day of protests against exam paper leaks, Mumbai's Shivaji Park became a gathering point for families, with parents and grandparents standing alongside young demonstrators. The protest, initially led by Gen Z students, has drawn cross-generational support as citizens demand accountability in the education system.
Shoiba Shaikh, 40, attended with her 13-year-old daughter Zoya, to whom she was chained at the wrist to prevent separation in the crowd. “I am here for the kids,” she said. “This is so that she does not get lost or stuck in a situation.” Nearby, Mohammed Momin, 36, watched with his three-year-old twins on each arm.
Janessa Monteiro, 32, stood with her mother and toddler. “I am here for my son’s future, just as my mum was there for mine,” she said.
Young protesters also voiced their reasons. Malika Khan, 12, came with her grandmother Zikra Khan, 60, from Antop Hill. “I may be small now, but when I grow up, I will want to be someone and the problems of today will be my problems,” she said. “Why should I wait then to start fighting for it to be fixed?”
Some parents came without their children. Bharat Sonawane, 57, held a placard reading ‘Here for my son’, though his son is not a NEET aspirant and chose not to attend. Others accompanied their children at their request. Sameer Sawant and his wife brought their 11-year-old daughter Saishvari to her first protest. Rajesh and Farzana Yadav came with their 19-year-old daughter Annaysha. “We are here for my daughter’s future but also for a better education system for all,” Rajesh said. “There needs to be accountability. No one in the government has provided any answers on the paper leaks.”
For some families, the police action at Jantar Mantar against protesting students was a turning point. Businessman Suresh Jog, his wife advocate Darshana Jog, their two children, and two cousins joined after that incident. “What happened there was completely against students’ democratic right to protest,” Darshana said. Suresh added that the problem extends beyond NEET and JEE, pointing to the Maharashtra TET paper leak and irregularities in Mumbai University’s examinations. “It seems to be a never-ending cycle, which is why a movement like this has become necessary,” he said.
Goregaon-based businessman Saurabh Tiwari, who attended with his wife and school-going son, cited the CBSE on-screen marking controversy. “I was shocked that after the on-screen marking controversy, the government questioned students instead of taking responsibility. If we do not stand up now, this will continue,” he said.
The protest reflects growing public demand for transparency and reform in India's examination system, with families across generations uniting to voice their concerns.
