Veteran actor Ratna Pathak Shah has spoken in support of students protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. In a video shared on Instagram on Wednesday, the 69-year-old actor expressed solidarity with young protesters and delivered an emotional message about importance of protecting students’ futures.
Using a well-known story from Hindu mythology, Pathak Shah questioned whether those responsible for education are truly serving the interests of young people.
Eklavya story used to raise questions
In her Hindi message, Ratna Pathak Shah recalled hearing the story of Eklavya as a child. She said the tale had deeply affected her and left her wondering why a teacher would ask a student to give up something so important.
She referred to the episode where Eklavya was asked to offer his thumb as guru dakshina, saying that, to her, it represented a teacher taking away a student’s future.
The actor said that as a child she could not understand such a decision. However, she now believes the same situation is being repeated in a different form in today’s society.
‘What kind of teachers are we?’
Pathak Shah questioned those who describe India as a “Vishwaguru” or teacher to the world. According to her, such a claim has little meaning if the country cannot understand, support or stand beside its own students.
She said it was surprising that while people speak proudly about becoming a global guide, they fail to connect with the concerns of young people. The actor repeatedly asked what kind of teachers a society becomes when it cannot protect the interests of its students.
Her comments linked the Eklavya story with present-day debates over education, suggesting that students are once again being asked to pay the price for decisions made by those in authority.
Criticism of the current system
Referring to the ongoing protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, Ratna Pathak Shah criticised what she described as a system that expects young people to sacrifice their future while those in positions of power continue to protect their own status.
She questioned why students should be made to bear such a heavy burden and said society must honestly examine whether it is treating its youth fairly. According to the actor, this is a question that everyone should ask themselves.
Emotional apology to the younger generation
The National Award-winning actor became emotional while speaking directly to the protesting students. She said her own generation must accept responsibility for allowing the situation to reach this stage.
Pathak Shah admitted that many people had seen warning signs over the years but did not act strongly enough or at the right time. Because of that failure, she said, her generation no longer has the moral authority to lecture or guide today’s youth.
Instead, she felt it was necessary to apologise to students for not preventing the current situation.
Ending her message on a hopeful note, Ratna Pathak Shah assured the students that they would not have to face the struggle alone.
She said that although her generation may have made mistakes, it still has the willingness and commitment to stand with young people. The actor promised that whenever the students call for support, she and others like her would stand beside them in solidarity.