‘Fit cause’, ‘valid demand’: Haryana musicians back protesting students

Prominent singers and rappers from Haryana have come out in support of students protesting at Jantar Mantar over alleged examination paper leaks and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to listen to their grievances.

Singer and lyricist Gulzaar Chhaniwala, who has 2.5 million followers on Instagram, posted a video on the platform, saying, “Today, as an ordinary citizen, I want to make a humble request to you with folded hands. Whenever you have asked the people of this country for support, they have stood with you completely. Today, we hope that you will deliver justice to them.”

“Please listen once to what is on their minds. These are all students. A wrong has been done to them, and that is why they are in this situation today, fighting for their rights. In a democratic country, why do we have to face so many difficulties just to fight for our rights?” Mr. Chhaniwala said, adding, “We have listened to ‘Mann ki Baat’ all these years. Today, please listen to our Mann ki Baat and give us justice.”

Symbolic gesture

In a symbolic gesture of support, Hisar-based rapper and hip-hop artist Dhanda Nyoliwala, who has 4.7 million followers on Instagram, changed his profile picture to an image of climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk bearing the slogan ‘stand for truth’.

Faridabad-based artist Abhishek Baisla, popularly known as MC Square, who has 1.4 million Instagram followers, also expressed solidarity with the protesters. In a video over a minute long, he said, “What has been done to students near Parliament is wrong. That should not have happened. People can have different opinions, but I think their demand is very valid. How long does it take to accept their demand? It does not take even a little time. The government should consider this.”

‘Students ignored’

Referring to the July 20 protest march in Delhi, during which several students were injured in police action, Mr. Baisla said, “They are only seeking the resignation of the Education Minister, and it is a fit case for resignation. Only students are being ignored and beaten up. Everyone can see this.”

He also announced that he was putting his upcoming music releases on hold. “We cannot celebrate so long as students are being meted out this treatment.”

Singer and actor Dev Kumar also appealed to the Prime Minister, saying he could not go to Jantar Mantar due to health reasons but stood with the students.

“The country stood with you whenever you gave any directions. The country supported you when you sought support. Students have come to tell you what is in their hearts, but you are not able to listen to them; I do not know the reasons. Poor students and the country suffer immensely because of paper leaks. Listen to what is in their hearts, Modiji. They are your own children,” he said.