Actor Ratna Pathak Shah released an Instagram video on Wednesday, expressing solidarity with the students and young people protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, demanding education reform in the country.

The 69-year-old actor invoked the legend of Eklavya from Hindu mythology and questioned the kind of teacher who would be willing to take away the entire future of a student in the form of his thumb. Pathak Shah, known for her outspoken political views, said the same story is being replayed today, where those claiming to be the country's "Vishwaguru" are, in fact, taking away the future of young people.

"When I was a child, I heard a story that gave me goosebumps, the story of Eklavya. I was stunned. I remember wondering, what kind of teacher is this who asks a child, his own disciple, to give up his entire future in the form of his thumb?," she said in the video in Hindi.

Pathak Shah went on to question those who claim to be the custodians of India's education system.

"Today, however, I finally understand what kind of teacher that was, and what kind of teachers we continue to see around us even today. We speak of becoming a Vishwaguru (teacher to the world), yet we cannot even stand with or connect with our own students. It's astonishing. What kind of teachers are we?," she said.

Referring to the ongoing agitation, Shah criticised a system that, according to her, expects young people to sacrifice their futures while those in power protect their own positions.

"We expect these young people to sacrifice their entire future so that those in power can hold on to their positions. What kind of teachers are these? It's time we asked ourselves that question," she said.

The actor also became emotional while addressing the students, saying her generation bears responsibility for allowing the situation to deteriorate. She said people of her generation saw the warning signs but failed to act in time.

"And it's also time for us to apologise to you. Because it is my generation that allowed things to reach this point. We could see this happening, but we failed to stop it at the right time and in the right way. That is why we no longer have the moral authority to guide you," she said.

Concluding her appeal, the National Award-winning actor assured the students of her support.

"But we do have the desire, and the commitment, to stand with you. Whenever you call, we will be by your side," she said.

All about CJP's students protest

The students' protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), comes in the wake of alleged police action against demonstrators and has drawn support from several public figures. The protesters are demanding reforms to the education system, accountability for the NEET paper leak earlier this year, fair and transparent examinations, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

A major turning point came when education reformer Sonam Wangchuk joined the agitation and began an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity with the students. His participation brought wider national attention to the movement. Throughout the protest, Wangchuk repeatedly called for peaceful demonstrations and urged the government to engage with the students instead of ignoring their concerns.

The agitation entered its second phase on Monday, when students held a peaceful march towards Parliament to coincide with the beginning of the Monsoon Session. The march later turned violent as clashes broke out between the protesters and the police.

Allegations of a lathi-charge and detentions soon surfaced online, with both protesters and police personnel reportedly sustaining injuries. Images and videos from the clashes in Delhi spread rapidly across social media, pushing the protest into the national spotlight.

The protest continues at Jantar Mantar, with several prominent public figures lending their support. Actors Prakash Raj and Shabana Azmi are among those who have joined the students at the protest site and voiced support for their demands.

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Published By:

Vineeta Kumar

Published On:

Jul 22, 2026 12:47 IST