Free Library at Jantar Mantar Protest Becomes Hub of Learning and Resistance
A free library set up by students at the Jantar Mantar protest site has become a symbol of learning and peaceful resistance. The movement, fueled by concerns over NEET examination irregularities, continues to draw nationwide support for educational accountability.
Highlights
- •A makeshift free library with nearly 100 books has become a focal point at the CJP protest site at Jantar Mantar.
- •The library initiative, organized by the AISF, encourages reading to promote awareness about civil rights and education reform.
- •The ongoing protest, now in its third day, demands accountability for NEET examination irregularities and the recent paper leak.
- •Demonstrators from various parts of the country are staying at the protest site to call for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
A distinctive free library has emerged as a central pillar of the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Established by student activists, this initiative serves as a unique hub for learning and resistance, highlighting the protesters' commitment to education amidst their broader struggle against alleged examination irregularities and the recent NEET paper leak.
The makeshift reading corner features a collection of nearly 100 books, sourced from the personal libraries of students, supporters, and concerned parents. Devang Aniket, a representative from the All India Students' Federation (AISF) at Delhi University, noted that the initiative is part of a broader "Fight for Education with Education" campaign. By providing access to literature, the organizers aim to emphasize the intellectual and peaceful foundation of their protest.
Building Resistance Through Education
The library stall attracts a steady stream of participants who engage with a diverse range of subjects, including history, law, civil rights, anthropology, and various biographies. For many, this free library is more than just a place to read; it is a critical resource that empowers them to better understand their legal rights and the contemporary socio-political climate of the country. Supporters argue that increased literacy and awareness are essential tools for challenging a perceived corrupt educational framework.
Now in its third consecutive day as of Monday, June 22, the CJP sit-in continues to gain momentum. The movement, which began on Saturday afternoon, has drawn a wide spectrum of participants, including NEET aspirants who recently took the re-examination and are now demanding greater accountability. The atmosphere at Jantar Mantar remains charged, with protesters vocally demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The protest site has also become a sanctuary for deeply personal stories of resilience. Among the demonstrators is 35-year-old Babita Anjali from Odisha, who, despite battling liver cancer, remains at the site with her young son. Her presence underscores the deep parental concern regarding the future of the nation's students. Other participants, such as 24-year-old Manpreet Singh and a volunteer named Saurabh, have traveled long distances and endured significant hardships to remain at the site until their core demands are met. The free library stands as a testament to their enduring spirit, offering both knowledge and community as they continue their sustained push for systemic reform.
