Bollywood veteran Shabana Azmi joined the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) protest march on Monday, July 20, in support of the students demanding education reforms and accountability over alleged examination irregularities. Azmi's presence at the protest is a significant step towards amplifying the students' voices and bringing attention to their cause.
During the march, Azmi was questioned about the absence of other Bollywood celebrities, to which she responded with a sharp comeback. She stated, 'You are only worried about the fact that Bollywood celebrities are not present at the March. You don’t worry about the absence of industrialist, all the businessmen. When you ask these questions, you are sidelining the cause and creating unnecessary controversy. You should support those who are marching for this cause, rather than diluting the matter.'
Azmi's response highlights the importance of focusing on the core issue at hand, rather than getting caught up in the absence of high-profile individuals. Her words emphasize the need to prioritize the students' demands and the need for a peaceful dialogue with the authorities.
Azmi's support for the protesters on hunger strike is a testament to her commitment to social justice and her belief in the power of peaceful protest. She joined the protesters at Jantar Mantar on Sunday, addressing the gathering and urging the authorities to engage in dialogue instead of confrontation.
The CJP has been protesting at Jantar Mantar since June 6, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk also joined the protest and went on an indefinite hunger strike. After 22 days of a peaceful hunger strike, Sonam was forcefully shifted to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday. Following his forceful removal, the CJP announced its 'Chalo Sansad' march to Parliament on Sunday.
While most celebrities have chosen to stay silent on the matter, some have taken to social media to speak in favor of the protesters, including Sonakshi Sinha, Dia Mirza, Shabana Azmi, and Zeenat Aman. Azmi's presence at the protest march and her sharp comeback to questions about the absence of Bollywood celebrities demonstrate her commitment to social justice and her belief in the power of peaceful protest. Her actions serve as an inspiration to others to stand up for what they believe in and to prioritize the needs of the marginalized and oppressed.
