Mumbai, India – Author and former actress Twinkle Khanna publicly supported Rhiya Ahir, a 27-year-old model and entrepreneur, who gained widespread attention for blocking a Mumbai Police van during recent student protests. Khanna shared Ahir's image on social media, expressing pride in India's youth for their courage to dissent. The incident in Mumbai unfolded as nationwide demonstrations continue over alleged examination irregularities and police crackdowns on protesters.[hindustantimes+3]
Actress Praises Youth's Courage
Twinkle Khanna posted several images from the ongoing protests in Delhi and Mumbai to her Instagram account. The first image featured Rhiya Ahir, who became a prominent figure in the protest at Shivaji Park on Wednesday. Ahir stood in front of a police vehicle carrying detained protesters who were demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.[hindustantimes+8]
In her caption, Khanna wrote, "Proud to belong to a country where our young people still have the courage to dissent, to push back, to brave tear gas and batons. The sad part is that they have to." Her statement highlighted the challenges faced by young demonstrators. Another picture in her post showed a woman shielding other protesters from a lathi-charge by Delhi Police.[hindustantimes+15]
Rhiya Ahir's Viral Stand
Rhiya Ahir's actions went viral across social media platforms, making her a recognizable face of the protests. Reports indicate that Ahir, wearing a hoodie and braving the rain, stopped the police van near Shivaji Park in Dadar. Her bold intervention reportedly encouraged other protesters to join in with slogans. Following her persistent stand, Mumbai police reportedly released the detained protesters.[thefederal+6]
Ahir told local media that she was not a student but felt compelled to stand with them. She criticized the police, stating, "The police aren't doing their job responsibly. If they won't be responsible, then we will take responsibility for our citizens." Ahir added that the police's actions, including the use of tear gas and lathi-charge on students in Delhi, were wrong. She also claimed the driver of the police van repeatedly revved the engine, attempting to intimidate her, but she held her ground. Ahir is an actor, model, and entrepreneur with nearly 100,000 followers on Instagram. She runs a personalized clothing brand and has appeared in several music videos. Her own experiences with the education system, including difficulties with distance education, motivated her to join the protests, stating, "It is not just about the NEET exams. It is about the system."[theweek+15]
Nationwide Protests and Celebrity Support
The protests are spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical online movement. The CJP emerged after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant allegedly referred to unemployed youth activists as "cockroaches." Protesters later embraced this term as a symbol of resistance.[thefederal+16]
The immediate cause of the protests is alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET), a crucial medical entrance examination in India. Students and activists are demanding accountability and reforms in the examination system, as well as the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.[hindustantimes+8]
On July 20, thousands of CJP supporters attempted a "Chalo Sansad" (March to Parliament) in Delhi. Security forces used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowds, leading to clashes. Delhi Police denied using force, while protesters alleged lathi-charge and arbitrary detentions. Approximately 60 protesters were injured and 70 detained in Delhi. In Mumbai, police registered 13 FIRs and booked around 400 individuals for unlawful assembly and violating prohibitory orders.[thefederal+37]
Twinkle Khanna is not alone in her support. Several other Bollywood celebrities have also voiced solidarity with the students. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Varun Dhawan, Sara Ali Khan, Ananya Panday, Alia Bhatt, and Salman Khan have all used social media to support the protesters and call for transparency and accountability in the education system. Actors like Shabana Azmi and Prakash Raj have participated in protests in person.[livemint+14]
The ongoing demonstrations highlight a growing frustration among young Indians regarding institutional credibility and equal opportunity in the country's education system. The movement has evolved into a significant challenge to the government's authority.[hindustantimes+2]
