Kamal Haasan Backs Students' Protest: We Should Have Listened When One Child Cried

Legendary actor-politician Kamal Haasan has come out in support for students protesting at Delhi NCR against NEET paper leek and subsequent suicide of multiple youngsters, sharing a powerful message that called for urgent reforms in the education system while urging authorities to listen to the concerns of young people instead of suppressing their voices. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) leader reflected on the growing frustration among students and lamented that their grievances had not been addressed in time."We should have listened when one child cried. Instead, we waited until far too many of our children died," he wrote, suggesting that systemic issues in education have reached a breaking point. The veteran

actor further criticised what he described as a deeply flawed education system, arguing that the emphasis on coaching and competitive pressure has replaced meaningful learning. "A system where coaching replaces learning, anxiety replaces curiosity, and criminality replaces merit is rotten," Kamal Haasan said.

Haasan also condemned the reported use of force against protesting students, stating that a nation fails its youth when their concerns are met with violence instead of dialogue. "A nation has failed when its children are met with barricades and batons instead of answers," he wrote. The iconic actor expressed solidarity with students who have been demonstrating over alleged irregularities and demanding accountability.In the same post, Haasan addressed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a fast, urging him to end his hunger strike while acknowledging his moral leadership. "@Wangchuk66, the nation will need your conscience for the journey ahead. Please end your fast," the actor appealed.Haasan concluded his message with words of encouragement for students across India, assuring them that their voices matter and placing the responsibility on society and the government to respond to their demands. "To the children of India: You are the best of us. You have done your duty. It is now time for the country to do its duty by you. May your dreams forever be bigger than our failures," he wrote.

Haasan's remarks add to a growing chorus of public figures expressing concern over the treatment of student protesters and the need for meaningful changes in the country's education system. R Madhavan too broke his silence, penning a long note stating that he shared the concern and disappointment that students and parents are facing, adding, "An education system must inspire confidence, fairness, and opportunity.”Earlier Tovino Thomas too had condemned the alleged use of force on peaceful protesters, saying the right to dissent is a pillar of democracy. Others who have come out in support of the students are Sonu Sood, Dia Mirza, Aditi Rao Hydari, Vijay Varma, Prakash Raj, Riteish Deshmukh, Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah.