Thousands March in London to Celebrate India’s Student Victory and Demand Democratic Reforms

London   (Asian independent)   (Sukhjinder Singh Dhadde) – Thousands of people gathered at Trafalgar Square on Sunday before marching peacefully to the Indian High Commission in what organisers described as one of the largest demonstrations held in Britain in solidarity with India’s student movement. The London Day of Action, organised by the South Asia Solidarity Group, brought together a broad coalition of organisations including the Indian Workers Association (Great Britain), UK Indian Muslim Council, Hindus for Human Rights UK, Strive UK, Swagatham, trade unionists, students and human rights campaigners. The demonstration welcomed the resignation of India’s Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, following weeks of student-led protests over examination paper leaks and alleged irregularities. Speakers described the resignation as a significant democratic victory for students but stressed that the wider campaign for education reform, transparency, accountability and the protection of democratic rights must continue. Following a public meeting and open-mic session at Trafalgar Square, thousands of demonstrators marched through central London to the Indian High Commission, where representatives of participating organisations addressed the rally. Among the speakers were Kalpana Wilson of the South Asia Solidarity Group, Sital Singh Gill and Salwinder Singh Dhillon of the Indian Workers Association (Great Britain), along with representatives of other supporting organisations. Addressing the gathering, Sital Singh Gill, General Secretary of the Indian Workers Association (Great Britain), congratulated India’s students on what he described as a historic victory achieved through courage, unity and peaceful democratic action. He said the resignation of a minister alone was not enough and called for meaningful education reforms, greater accountability and the protection of democratic rights. Mr Gill also strongly condemned reports of police action against students and peaceful protesters in Bihar, including allegations of lathi charges, tear gas and police firing. He called for an independent judicial inquiry into the incidents and said anyone responsible for the unlawful use of force should be held accountable. “This victory belongs to India’s students and young people. Their courage has inspired millions. But one resignation alone is not enough. Justice, democratic rights and meaningful education reforms must now follow. The Indian Workers Association will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with India’s students until their legitimate aspirations are fulfilled,” Mr Gill said. The rally concluded with participating organisations reaffirming their commitment to supporting democracy, equality, human rights and international solidarity, while pledging to continue standing with India’s students in their ongoing struggle for justice and educational reforms.