Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has written an emotional open letter to the students protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, and the Central Government.
Shashi Tharoor Shares His Personal Journey
Tharoor began the letter by recalling his upbringing in a middle-class family. He said his father worked as a salaried newspaper employee while his mother was a homemaker, and scholarships and fair examinations helped him achieve his dreams.
Merit Is The Only Way For Students
While emphasizing the need for transparency in examinations, Tharoor stated that merit was the only way for millions of poor and middle-class families to succeed. According to him, if the examination question paper is leaked or the test is canceled, the biggest sufferers are usually normal students, while rich and influential people get other ways of succeeding.
This Country Hears You
In his address to the protesting students at Jantar Mantar, he expressed his support for them and said that their frustration should not be considered as being indiscipline. He said that the students were working hard for their goals and that they had to get a fair chance of success through the honest examination system.
Appeal to Sonam Wangchuk
Tharoor made a heartfelt appeal to Sonam Wangchuk, requesting him to end his fast.He said Wangchuk had already awakened the conscience of the nation and added, “India needs your voice for the long road ahead.” He also noted that Parliament would soon be in session, providing an opportunity to raise students’ concerns.
Message to the Government
In the final part of the letter, Tharoor urged the government to begin a dialogue with young citizens. He said engaging with students was not a sign of weakness but an example of responsible leadership and called for constructive discussions to address their concerns.
