Dinesh Karthik’s ‘Next decade is India’s’ post goes viral after Dharmendra Pradhan steps down as Education Minister
New Delhi: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik shared a message for the country’s youth on social media shortly after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as India’s Education Minister on Saturday. The resignation came after weeks of nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and growing demands for reforms in the education system.
Karthik, who now serves as the batting coach and mentor of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL, took to X to post a message praising the younger generation. His post quickly gained attention with many linking its timing to the political developments during the day.
He wrote, “At the end of the day, we’re all working towards a better India. The clarity, collaboration and relentlessness of the younger generation is something that I’m extremely in awe of. The future is bright, and the next generation is going to take us to new heights. Jai Hind.” He added the caption, “The next decade is India’s.”
Pradhan resigns after weeks of protests
Dharmendra Pradhan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following sustained protests led by students and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Demonstrations had been taking place at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak and calling for wider reforms in the country’s education system.
The movement gathered further momentum when educator and activist Sonam Wangchuk joined a hunger strike that lasted 26 days. On July 20, protesters attempted to march towards Parliament but were stopped by police, who used tear gas and lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
Government responds to growing pressure
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured students that those accused in the NEET paper leak case had been arrested and that fast-track courts would handle the matter to ensure a speedy trial.
On Saturday, after submitting his resignation, Pradhan posted on X, “The youth power of India is the real strength of this country. We will not let the youth power of the country get trapped in a vicious cycle of illusion; this is my resolve Anti-national forces should not take advantage of the situation that has arisen at Jantar Mantar and in the country, the unity of the country should be maintained, the future of not even a single student of India should get entangled in legal complexities, and our children should spend their time studying and focusing on building their careers. Considering all these things, I have sent my resignation letter to the Honorable Prime Minister.”
While Karthik’s post did not directly mention the resignation, its timing sparked widespread discussion online. His message focused on the potential of India’s youth, who remain at the centre of the ongoing conversation around the country’s future and education reforms.