A student protest against alleged exam irregularities and paper leaks has been continuing in Ranchi, Jharkhand. On the 16th day of the protest, actor and singer Piyush Mishra visited the protest site at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium.
He sat with the protesting candidates and extended his support to their cause. Speaking to the media, Piyush said he decided to visit the protest after watching interviews with the students and seeing the distress they were going through. He later sang his popular song ‘Aarambh Hai Prachand’ from Gulaal, which energised the protesting students and created an atmosphere of enthusiasm at the venue.
Says he came without any political agenda
Speaking to the media, Piyush Mishra explained why he decided to visit the protest in Ranchi. He said there was no hidden motive behind his visit. He had watched interviews of the protesting students on social media and was deeply moved by their struggles and the tears in their eyes. When he got two days free, he decided to come to Ranchi himself.
Piyush said he has always felt connected to young people and often creates and sings for them. He also praised the students for keeping the protest peaceful, saying that the movement has continued without any political flag or agenda.
Announces help with food, tarpaulins and financial aid
The actor, known for Gangs of Wasseypur, said he had not come to the protest site merely to speak on stage but also wanted to support the students in whatever way he could. Through his team and event management company, food, mattresses, tarpaulins and financial assistance have been arranged for the protesters.
Piyush Mishra said he may not be a wealthy person, but he will continue to help the students within his means. He also urged the candidates to continue their protest peacefully and with dignity, while avoiding abusive language or any form of inappropriate behaviour.
Protest site echoes with ‘Aarambh Hai Prachand’
Piyush Mishra sang his popular song ‘Aarambh Hai Prachand’ from Anurag Kashyap’s 2009 film Gulaal in front of the protesting students. As he began singing, hundreds of students across the stadium joined him and sang along.
The performance ended with loud applause from the crowd, creating an emotional moment and giving the protesting students a fresh boost of energy. Apart from Piyush Mishra, Bollywood personalities including Sonakshi Sinha, Imran Khan, Bhumi Pednekar and Anupam Kher have also expressed support for the movement.
Know what the candidates’ dispute is about
Students in Jharkhand have been protesting since July 29 over alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC preliminary examination and JSSC recruitment exams. The candidates claim that government recruitment exams in the state are often delayed, while those that are conducted are sometimes marred by allegations of paper leaks.
The protesters are demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC preliminary examination, a CBI and ED probe into the matter, and changes to the recruitment process. They have also held several rounds of talks with government representatives and ministers, but so far, no concrete decision has been reached.
