Kamal Haasan Breaks Silence on Student Crisis, Questions Education System After NEET Controversy and Protests

Actor, filmmaker, and politician Kamal Haasan has voiced his concern over the growing anxiety among students following the 2026 NEET examination controversy and allegations surrounding paper leaks, calling for a deeper reflection on India's education system. In a strongly worded social media post, Haasan criticized a system that he believes has shifted focus away from learning and towards intense competition, coaching culture, and pressure-driven outcomes.

Sharing his thoughts online, Kamal Haasan wrote, “We should have listened when one child cried. Instead, we waited until far too many of our children died.” His message highlighted the emotional toll faced by students, pointing towards the increasing stress, uncertainty, and pressure experienced by young aspirants preparing for competitive examinations.

Haasan went on to question the broader structure of education, stating that a system where “coaching replaces learning, anxiety replaces curiosity, and criminality replaces merit is rotten.” His remarks reflect concerns raised by many students and education observers about the heavy dependence on coaching centres, the intense competition surrounding entrance examinations, and the mental health challenges faced by young people navigating the current academic environment.

The actor also addressed the response to protests led by students and supporters of CJP (Cockroach Janta Party) at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on July 20. Criticizing the use of barricades and batons during demonstrations, Haasan said that a nation fails when children seeking answers are met with force instead of solutions. His comments came amid wider discussions about how authorities should respond to student-led movements and concerns related to education reforms.

In his post, Kamal Haasan expressed support for Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been associated with a hunger strike connected to broader demands and concerns raised by protesters. Requesting Wangchuk to end his fast, Haasan wrote, “@Wangchuk66, the nation will need your conscience for the journey ahead. Please end your fast.” He emphasized that the country needs voices of conscience while addressing challenges affecting young Indians.

The veteran actor also shared a message directly aimed at students across the country, writing, “To the children of India: You are the best of us. You have done your duty. It is now time for the country to do its duty by you.” He added that young people's dreams should remain bigger than the failures of existing systems, offering encouragement to students who continue to face uncertainty and pressure.

The NEET controversy has once again brought attention to long-standing debates surrounding India's competitive examination system. Issues such as exam security, paper leaks, coaching dependency, unequal access to resources, and student mental health have become central topics of discussion among students, parents, educators, and policymakers.

Kamal Haasan’s statement has added another prominent voice to the ongoing conversation, with his remarks focusing not just on one examination controversy but on the larger question of how society treats its young learners. His message argues that education should encourage curiosity, creativity, and growth rather than becoming a source of overwhelming stress and fear.

The post has sparked discussions online, with supporters appreciating his emphasis on student welfare and critics debating the political aspects of his comments. Regardless of differing opinions, the issue has highlighted a wider national conversation about the future of education, the responsibilities of institutions, and the need to protect the aspirations of millions of young Indians.

As debates around examination reforms and student welfare continue, Haasan’s message remains focused on one central idea: a country's future depends on how it listens to and supports its children.