By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

On July 14, 2026, Wednesday, under the guidance of Fr Ashwin Macwan, SDB, Director of AmrutDhara Don Bosco Animation Centre, Kapadvanj, a group of enthusiastic members of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM), Kapadvanj, spent a meaningful day at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, expressing their solidarity with students, especially Generation Z youth, who are peacefully protesting against the alleged NEET paper leak and demanding transparency and accountability in public examinations.

After arriving at the protest venue, the SYM group underwent the mandatory security screening before entering the protest area. The youth then spent time interacting with students from different parts of India who have gathered at Jantar Mantar to raise their voices for justice. Many of these students shared their stories of months and years of hard work, only to see their dreams shattered by examination irregularities. Their testimonies reflected the emotional, academic, and financial burden caused by repeated paper leaks and the uncertainty surrounding competitive examinations.

One of the most moving moments of the visit was meeting Sonam Wangchuk, the renowned engineer, innovator, scientist, and education reformer, who has been observing a hunger strike for the past 17 days in solidarity with the protesting students. Witnessing his commitment and sacrifice deeply inspired the SYM youth, reminding them that genuine leadership often demands courage and selfless dedication to the cause of justice.

The group also had the opportunity to meet Abhijeet Dipke, Founder of the Cockroach Janta Party for Justice and Peace (CJP), who has been actively supporting the students' movement. During the interaction, Fr Ashwin Macwan, SDB, assured him of the support and prayers of the Salesian Youth Movement, saying: "We, the SYM, stand with you. We sincerely appreciate your initiative on behalf of the students whose dreams and, in some tragic cases, lives have been shattered because of the NEET paper leak. Young people deserve an educational system built on honesty, transparency, and justice."

For the remainder of the day, the SYM youth moved around the protest site, meeting different groups of students and volunteers who have united for this noble cause. The interactions gave them a deeper understanding of responsible citizenship and the importance of standing peacefully for truth and justice. They witnessed young people from diverse backgrounds united by a common desire for fairness and credibility in India's education system.

Reflecting on the visit, Fr Ashwin Macwan emphasized that education is built on trust and integrity. "When students dedicate themselves to sincere preparation, they deserve a system that rewards merit and protects their future. As Salesians inspired by St John Bosco, we are called to accompany young people, listen to their struggles, and encourage them to seek justice through peaceful and democratic means."

The visit became a valuable learning experience for the SYM youth. Beyond expressing solidarity, they experienced firsthand the importance of civic participation, dialogue, and non-violent advocacy. Inspired by St John Bosco's vision of forming "Good Human and Honest Citizens," they renewed their commitment to promoting honesty, responsibility, integrity, and active citizenship among young people.

The day concluded with a prayer for all students, educators, policymakers, and public authorities, seeking wisdom, integrity, and a renewed commitment.

Through this visit, the Salesian Youth Movement once again reaffirmed its mission of walking alongside young people, promoting their dignity, nurturing hope, and encouraging peaceful engagement in building a more just and transparent society.