Param Vir Chakra Awardees Advocate for Student Dialogue Amid NEET Controversy
Chandigarh: Honorary Captain Bana Singh and Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav, two of the three living Param Vir Chakra recipients in India, have expressed their firm support for students seeking accountability in the alleged NEET paper leak case. They have called on the government to engage in constructive dialogue rather than using force against the demonstrators.
In an interview with The Times of India, the two military heroes emphasized the importance of communication over conflict in strengthening democratic societies. They urged authorities to consider the students' grievances and avoid actions such as baton charges that could escalate the situation.
Honorary Captain Bana Singh, known for his valor during Operation Rajiv in 1987 on Siachen Glacier, emphasized that force is not a solution to every issue. He used the proverb, "Agg lage baarish nahi paindi te na hi paani aae (Rain does not start falling simply because fire has already broken out)," to underline his point. He stressed that students are the future of the nation and should be listened to, not met with violence.
The 77-year-old veteran cautioned the government against allowing the crisis to deteriorate further. He highlighted the significance of acknowledging the voices of students, who will eventually take on the responsibilities of the country, and called for addressing their concerns through discussion.
Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav, famed for his bravery during the Kargil War and recognized as the youngest Param Vir Chakra recipient, shared his understanding of the emotions and frustrations of young people, drawn from his extensive engagement with children over the past few years.
Yadav compared governance to family dynamics, stating that when children are distressed, it is the duty of the parent to listen and communicate with them. Similarly, he suggested that governments should engage with students rather than resorting to forceful measures.
Both veterans reiterated that democracy thrives when dialogue replaces confrontation.
Bana Singh described the alleged NEET paper leak as more than a mere administrative failure, highlighting its detrimental impact on the morale of countless students who dedicate years to preparing for competitive exams. He urged the government to remain vigilant to prevent such incidents from occurring again.
When questioned about the students' demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Yogendra Singh Yadav refrained from political commentary but emphasized that the government's initial response should be dialogue, while also urging students to keep their protests peaceful.
Yadav highlighted the importance of listening, stating that true courage involves hearing the people's concerns and placing trust in the country's youth. He portrayed the student protests as a testament to a generation deeply invested in India's future.
He noted that the frustration evident among students is rooted in broader structural issues plaguing the education system, such as frequent paper leaks, unemployment, and an academic framework that prioritizes degrees over practical skills.
Yadav concluded by expressing confidence in India's young generation, asserting that they represent not a problem, but the nation's greatest hope.
