They've given us hope: Greta Thunberg's shoutout to India's Gen Z protesters
Greta Thunberg praised India's student protests as a powerful example of collective action, saying they had given people hope and demonstrated the strength of people power. She urged international solidarity with the protesters, while organisers said their campaign for education reforms would continue despite the protest ending.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg has praised the recently-concluded student protests in India, calling the youth-led movement a source of hope and a demonstration of collective action. Speaking at an event organised by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) UK in London over the weekend, she praised the determination shown by the students.
Thunberg, 23, said the movement had shown what people could achieve when they unite around a shared cause. She also said the issues raised by the protesters should not be seen only as an internal matter, and urged people across the world to stand with movements seeking justice and democratic reforms.
“The Indian student protest has made us all proud. They have given us hope,” Thunberg said. “They show what we can accomplish when people come together and resist. They show the true meaning of people power.” She added, “The Indian students’ struggle for justice and the broader struggle for democracy and liberation is also our struggle,” and said international support for such movements mattered.
The protests drew wider attention after police action against demonstrators triggered criticism from sections of civil society. The movement also received support from several public figures, including environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who expressed solidarity with the students and went on a 26-day hunger strike.
Organisers said the protest ended after the government accepted all their demands, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Other demands included Rs 1 crore in compensation for families affected by the 2026 NEET-UG paper leak row and the withdrawal of police cases filed against protesters.
Even as they described the development as a major milestone, organisers said their campaign for reforms in the education system would continue. In a statement, SFI UK called the student movement “inspiring and courageous” and also voiced concern over the reported deaths of students and police action during the protests.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg has praised the recently-concluded student protests in India, calling the youth-led movement a source of hope and a demonstration of collective action. Speaking at an event organised by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) UK in London over the weekend, she praised the determination shown by the students.
Thunberg, 23, said the movement had shown what people could achieve when they unite around a shared cause. She also said the issues raised by the protesters should not be seen only as an internal matter, and urged people across the world to stand with movements seeking justice and democratic reforms.
“The Indian student protest has made us all proud. They have given us hope,” Thunberg said. “They show what we can accomplish when people come together and resist. They show the true meaning of people power.” She added, “The Indian students’ struggle for justice and the broader struggle for democracy and liberation is also our struggle,” and said international support for such movements mattered.
The protests drew wider attention after police action against demonstrators triggered criticism from sections of civil society. The movement also received support from several public figures, including environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who expressed solidarity with the students and went on a 26-day hunger strike.
Organisers said the protest ended after the government accepted all their demands, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Other demands included Rs 1 crore in compensation for families affected by the 2026 NEET-UG paper leak row and the withdrawal of police cases filed against protesters.
Even as they described the development as a major milestone, organisers said their campaign for reforms in the education system would continue. In a statement, SFI UK called the student movement “inspiring and courageous” and also voiced concern over the reported deaths of students and police action during the protests.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg has praised the recently-concluded student protests in India, calling the youth-led movement a source of hope and a demonstration of collective action. Speaking at an event organised by the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) UK in London over the weekend, she praised the determination shown by the students.
Thunberg, 23, said the movement had shown what people could achieve when they unite around a shared cause. She also said the issues raised by the protesters should not be seen only as an internal matter, and urged people across the world to stand with movements seeking justice and democratic reforms.
“The Indian student protest has made us all proud. They have given us hope,” Thunberg said. “They show what we can accomplish when people come together and resist. They show the true meaning of people power.” She added, “The Indian students’ struggle for justice and the broader struggle for democracy and liberation is also our struggle,” and said international support for such movements mattered.
The protests drew wider attention after police action against demonstrators triggered criticism from sections of civil society. The movement also received support from several public figures, including environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who expressed solidarity with the students and went on a 26-day hunger strike.
Organisers said the protest ended after the government accepted all their demands, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Other demands included Rs 1 crore in compensation for families affected by the 2026 NEET-UG paper leak row and the withdrawal of police cases filed against protesters.
Even as they described the development as a major milestone, organisers said their campaign for reforms in the education system would continue. In a statement, SFI UK called the student movement “inspiring and courageous” and also voiced concern over the reported deaths of students and police action during the protests.
