More than 400 people from Sydney’s Indian diaspora gathered at Parra Square, Parramatta, on Friday 24 July 2026, holding placards and reading poetry in solidarity with students protesting at Jantar Mantar and across India.
The rally was organised by a broad coalition of civil society and community groups concerned for the erosion of democracy, civil liberties and human rights in India and included among others, the Indian Overseas Congress Australia, Ambedkarite Global Federation Australia, Indian Crescent Society of Australia, PATCA and Crossover Stories, together with several student groups.
The gathering brought together students, academics, professionals, community leaders and members of the diaspora united behind students protesting for their rights, and held a vigil for those who have died by suicide over recent years linked to NEET and other exam leaks.
Speakers stressed that dissent is a cornerstone of democracy and called on Indian authorities to respect civil liberties, uphold the rule of law and ensure that the voices of students are heard without fear. The rally remained peaceful and disciplined throughout.
Mr Manoj Sheoran represented the Indian Overseas Congress Australia. Mr Abbas Raza Alvi and Ms Farida Alvi spoke for the Indian Crescent Society of Australia. Mr Mohamed Haroon and Ms Devibala Palanivel represented PATCA, while Mr Parag Bharat and Ms Devi Bala spoke for the Ambedkarite Global Federation Australia.
Mr Gurjinder Singh (Gavy), President of Students Union India Australia, and Ms Sreelakshmi Nair of Changayimaar Australia also addressed the crowd, alongside Mr Ganesh Loke.
Mr Sidhdhant Nakra and Mr Abhishek Tongia read moving poetry. I spoke on behalf of JMI Alumni, recalling past struggles and a few lines of Urdu poem. Ms Shweta and Mr Taufeeq Sheikh of Crossover Stories coordinated the evening.
Renowned playwright Mr Mahesh Dattani was acknowledged among those present in support.
The protests began in May, when allegations of paper leaks and technical failures in the NEET UG medical entrance exam forced the National Testing Agency to cancel results, sending more than two million students back to retake an exam they had already prepared for.
Anger has since widened into a broader movement against unemployment and unresponsive governance.
The vigil in Parramatta was held for students who have died, for those still suffering, and for a generation demanding to be heard.
The evening closed with the National Anthem, led by Mr Taufeeq Sheikh, rising into a chorus of Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Vande Mataram. The crowd then walked from Parra Square to Parramatta Town Hall, flashlights and placards held high, echoing the footsteps of students still standing at Jantar Mantar.
Updates on the campaign continue on Instagram under the hashtag sydney4students. To every student still standing at Jantar Mantar and across India: Sydney sees you, and Sydney stands with you.
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