‘We Should Have Listened When One Child Cried…’: Kamal Haasan Backs NEET Protesters, Urges Reforms and Appeals to Sonam Wangchuk

Veteran actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan has expressed solidarity with students protesting in Delhi-NCR over the alleged NEET paper leak and the reported deaths of several young aspirants. In a strongly worded message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Haasan called for urgent reforms in India’s education system and urged authorities to listen to students instead of silencing them.

The actor-politician said the concerns of young people should have been addressed much earlier.“We should have listened when one child cried. Instead, we waited until far too many of our children died,” Haasan wrote.

Calls Education System ‘Rotten’

Criticising the current education framework, Kamal Haasan said the system has drifted away from meaningful learning and has become overly dependent on coaching and high-pressure competition.“A system where coaching replaces learning, anxiety replaces curiosity, and criminality replaces merit is rotten,” he said.

His remarks come amid nationwide debates over alleged examination irregularities and demands for greater transparency and accountability in competitive entrance examinations.

Condemns Reported Action Against Student Protesters

Haasan also criticised the reported use of force against students participating in peaceful demonstrations.

According to the actor, a democratic nation must respond to the concerns of its youth through dialogue rather than confrontation.“A nation has failed when its children are met with barricades and batons instead of answers,” he wrote.

He reiterated his support for students demanding accountability and reforms in the education system.

Appeals to Sonam Wangchuk

In the same message, Kamal Haasan addressed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been observing a hunger strike in support of students.

Requesting Wangchuk to end his fast, Haasan acknowledged his influence and moral leadership.“@Wangchuk66, the nation will need your conscience for the journey ahead. Please end your fast,” he appealed.

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Message to India’s Students

Concluding his statement, Haasan offered words of encouragement to students across the country, assuring them that their voices matter and calling on society and the government to fulfil their responsibilities.“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.

Several Celebrities Extend Support

Kamal Haasan is among several prominent personalities who have publicly expressed concern over the situation.

Actor R. Madhavan also voiced support for students, saying an education system must inspire confidence, fairness, and opportunity.

Actors Tovino Thomas, Sonu Sood, Dia Mirza, Aditi Rao Hydari, Vijay Varma, Prakash Raj, Riteish Deshmukh, Shabana Azmi, and Naseeruddin Shah have also spoken in support of students and called for a fair and transparent resolution to their concerns.

As the debate over education reforms continues, the voices of public figures have added momentum to calls for greater accountability and meaningful changes in the country’s examination system.