New Delhi, India – India’s federal education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, formally resigned from his cabinet post on Saturday amid widespread and ongoing protests across the country sparked by the NEET (National Medical Entrance Examination) leak scandal. In a heartfelt letter to his “young friends,” Pradhan confirmed that he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing the tense situation at the Jantar Mantar protest site and across the country as the reason for his decision.
A long journey and a defense of the aspirations of young people
In explaining his reasons for resigning, Pradhan said: “I have dedicated myself to serving students, teachers, and reforming education for over four decades. I have always believed that a strong, inclusive, and forward-looking education system is the foundation for building a strong nation. I deeply respect the aspirations, feelings, and legitimate expectations of the country’s youth. Fulfilling the dreams of India’s young generation is a moral obligation that rests on all of us in political and social life. I express my gratitude to the Honorable Prime Minister for the opportunity he has given me to serve the nation under his wise leadership.”
Warnings against exploiting the crisis and concerns for the future of students
The resigning minister further explained his reasons, stating: “Considering the situation that has developed in Jantar Mantar and across the country—where anti-national forces should not exploit this situation, the unity of the nation must be preserved, the future of no student should be entangled in legal complications, and our children should dedicate their time to studying and focusing on building their careers—I have submitted my resignation to the esteemed Prime Minister.” This resignation, amidst widespread public anger, comes as an attempt to contain the escalating tensions on the Indian street and protect students’ academic progress from disruption caused by the ongoing crisis.
