Greta Thunberg Voices Support for Indian Students During London Demonstration

Greta Thunberg Extends Support to Indian Students at London Protest, Calls Movement ‘People Power’

Climate activist Greta Thunberg has expressed solidarity with students protesting in India over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, describing their movement as an inspiring example of “people power” during a demonstration in London.

Thunberg joined protesters outside the Indian High Commission on Sunday (local time) at a rally organised by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) UK in support of students demanding greater transparency and accountability in India’s examination system.

Images shared by SFI UK showed the Swedish activist standing alongside demonstrators holding placards backing the student movement in India.

‘They Have Given Us Hope’

Addressing the gathering, Thunberg praised the protesters for standing up for justice and said their movement had inspired people around the world.

“The Indian student protest has made us all proud. They have given us hope. They show what we can accomplish when people come together and resist. They show the true meaning of people power. The Indian students’ struggle for justice and the broader struggle for democracy and liberation is also our struggle. We all have to come together now and rise up in solidarity with India,” she said.

SFI President VP Sanu thanked Thunberg for supporting the campaign, saying the movement had demonstrated the strength of collective action and resonated with students internationally.

Rally Backed Students Protesting Exam Irregularities

The London demonstration was organised in solidarity with students in India protesting alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak controversy. In Delhi, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) had spearheaded a 36-day protest demanding examination reforms, greater transparency in recruitment and entrance tests, and accountability for those responsible for alleged paper leaks.

The protest also sought the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who later stepped down.

The agitation concluded after the Centre accepted the group’s remaining demands, including compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET controversy and the withdrawal of FIRs filed against protesters.

Centre Announces Exam Reform Measures

Following the end of the protest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of a high-level task force on examination reforms headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani. The government has also proposed amendments to strengthen India’s anti-paper leak law.

Thunberg’s Earlier Remarks on India

Thunberg had previously drawn attention in India during the 2021 farmers’ protests after sharing an online “toolkit” intended to coordinate global support for the agitation. Delhi Police later registered a case against the creators of the document, although the climate activist was not named in the FIR.