NEET, Hindi Imposition and Attacks on Tamil Rights Spark Protests by Youth and Students

A gathering of youth and student activists in Tamil Nadu emphasised the importance of curiosity, rationalist ideology, and social justice, drawing upon the teachings of Periyar, Thiruvalluvar, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Participants, including representatives from Vyasarpadi and the brother of medical aspirant Anitha, spoke out against social marginalisation, caste discrimination, and the adverse impact of the national medical entrance exam, NEET, on marginalised students. Speakers raised concerns over the withholding of central funds under the New Education Policy, delays in appointing state university vice-chancellors, and prospective parliamentary delimitation, describing them as centralisation efforts targeting Tamil language, culture, and democratic rights.