Agents of change

The reported use of force against peaceful protesters is deeply distressing. Yet, amid this crisis, it is equally important to step back and examine the larger picture. The recent actions of a 19-year-old who exposed critical security flaws in the CBSE’s On-Screen Marking (OSM) portal demonstrated how strategic civic action can effectively draw the government’s attention to pressing educational concerns. This is not to diminish the significance of peaceful protests, which remain essential for democratic accountability. However, the youth of this country possess far greater potential than merely sustaining prolonged protests, which often come at the cost of their own education, careers, and well-being. Their innovation and technological capabilities can be channelled into building community learning hubs, student-led mental health support systems, career mentorship networks, and transparent exam-crisis response frameworks.

Sowbakyatha S.U.,

Tiruchi, Tamil Nadu

Cinema, politics, change

Through their ecstatic and flamboyant celebrations following the release of Jana Nayagan, young fans have, in effect, cocked a snook at the complexities of our politics by democratically transforming candidate Vijay into Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. Attempts to obstruct the film’s release during the Assembly election campaign may now be coming back to haunt its political opponents. This should serve as a warning to practitioners of old-style politics that the younger generation is increasingly unwilling to be taken for granted. Much like a cinematic denouement, political change, too, may arrive when least expected — perhaps through an angry young man.

R. Narayanan,

Navi Mumbai

A star in the making

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has proved himself once again in the first T20 of the three-match series against Zimbabwe. The youngster is a valuable asset to Indian cricket, and the selectors should give him opportunities across formats. With grooming and support, he has the potential for a bright future.

Parthasarathy N.,

Chennai