Hyderabad: When a young Hyderabadi, Disha, saw the events that unfolded at Jantar Mantar on July 20, including the reported Delhi Police assault on students and young men, women and children, she felt she could not remain silent. She decided to act and is now in New Delhi, on her way to the protest site.
On Thursday morning, she booked a flight from Hyderabad to Delhi. Before leaving home, she told her parents she was going out. Little did they know that their daughter had made up her mind to raise her voice against what she described as the systemic failures of the education system and the government's inability to hold those responsible accountable.
In a selfie video, Disha admitted that she was scared and anxious but said she was confident she would manage on her own.
"I am so damn scared, because I am going solo and I don't know anyone in Delhi. But I will manage somehow," she said.
In another video recorded after she arrived at Delhi Airport, Disha thanked the flight crew for their support.
"I met a few of my friends on the flight. They were the operating crew. When they came to know where I was headed, they gave me snacks and water bottles," she said.
Disha further said that many people wanted to join the protest but were unable to do so because of their jobs or personal commitments.
"I am so glad I came here. Whosoever is unable to come, I will make sure I raise my voice in your place, and my voice is also heard. Jai Hind!" she said.
On July 20, lakhs of students and young people attempted to march from Jantar Mantar to the Indian Parliament following a 'Chalo Sansad' call by social activist Sonam Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janta Party, demanding that the Narendra Modi government take accountability for what they described as numerous irregularities in the current education system.
The protest coincided with the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session.
Delhi Police erected barricades to stop the protesters and subsequently resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas, according to reports. Around 180 people, including protesters and police personnel, were reportedly injured during the clashes.
The protest is ongoing.