Parents join student protest with young children, demand education reform

New Delhi: At the ongoing student protest at Jantar Mantar, parents carrying young children have become a visible presence, expressing their concerns over the state of the education system and their hopes for a better future.

On Saturday evening, after news of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation broke, Salman, a 35-year-old father, arrived at the protest site with his three children, including a one-and-a-half-year-old daughter. He said they had been following the movement but came to celebrate the resignation. His 11-year-old son, Mohammad Saad, said the protest was for their future and that there should be no paper leaks.

Earlier, on Friday night, Kanchan, a 34-year-old make-up artist from Karol Bagh, attended the protest with her three-year-old son, who was dressed as a doctor. She said she wanted to show her child that they stood for truth and that the students' suffering during the protests would not be forgotten. She added that seeing young children at the protest might encourage others to join.

Her neighbour, Monika Shersiya, also came with her two-year-old son, dressed as Mahatma Gandhi. She expressed anger over the government's alleged indifference to student deaths and injuries during the protests. On Thursday, Sarfaraz Khan, a tailor from Burari, brought his two-year-old son Zorin to the protest. He said he supported the movement for the students who died and for his children's future.

The protest, which began in response to alleged irregularities in examinations, has drawn students and supporters from across the city. Parents say their participation is an act of hope and defiance, demanding accountability and reforms in the education system.