An Open Letter to the Jantar Mantar protestors:
My dear young friends,
I address you today not as a politician or an MP, but as someone deeply troubled by what is happening to your generation of young Indians.
This is personal for me. I was born to a middle-class family: my father was a salaried newspaper employee, my mother a homemaker, with three children to educate on one income. For a family like ours, merit was not a slogan. Scholarships, fair examinations, honest results — these were the only way one salary could carry three children's dreams.
I went to school in Mumbai and Kolkata, to college here in Delhi, topped the University and earned admission into IIM — and chose instead to follow my passion for international affairs, in America, on a scholarship. Nothing was inherited; everything was earned by hard work and yes, Exams.
So I know that a fair, merit-based system is the only ladder for young people from lower and middle-income families to climb up. When that ladder is broken — papers leaked, examinations cancelled, trust destroyed — the children of the rich and powerful do not suffer. They have other ladders. It is your dreams, and your families' sacrifices (and tragically, in some homes, young lives themselves) that are betrayed.
To the young people gathered at Jantar Mantar, and those raising your voices peacefully across India: this country hears you. Your anger is not indiscipline — it is the anguish of a generation that did everything right and was still betrayed . You are not alone.
And to the millions of young Indians watching quietly: your generation is not a problem to be managed. You are the answer to India's future. Do not lose hope. This ladder will be rebuilt — by you, and by every Indian who stands with you.
To Shri Sonam Wangchuk-ji, my heartfelt appeal: please end your fast. You have awakened the conscience of the nation; that is what a fast is meant to do. India needs your voice for the long road ahead.
With Parliament in session again from Monday, we will have an opportunity to raise the students’ issues in the highest forum of our democracy. That’s where the problem should be addressed, not by fasting unto death. Please heed my plea.
And finally, to the Government: I respectfully urge you to reach out and engage in the dialogue our democracy owes its young citizens. That is not weakness; that is statesmanship.
🚨💣 BREAKING: Youri Tielemans to Manchester United, HERE WE GO! 🔴🇧🇪
United activate €41m release clause into Tielemans’ contract at Aston Villa, verbal agreement also with Belgian midfielder.
Andrey Santos done + Tielemans next after Éderson deal called off on Friday. 📈
🚨 Youri Tielemans move from Aston Villa to Manchester United through £35m release clause in midfielder’s contract. #AVFC had no wish to sell + offered new deal but left with little choice due to mechanism & #MUFC set to proceed on transfer @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/KbWwD1jxov
🚨💣 CONFIRMED: Manchester United send formal confirmation to Atalanta about Éderson deal OFF, as exclusively revealed on Friday.
Brazilian midfielder won’t join #MUFC and Atalanta offered him new deal until June 2031 — to be negotiated.
Éderson, disappointed and back to Italy.
🚨💣 BREAKING: Manchester United are closing in on Youri Tielemans deal from Aston Villa!
Deal at very advanced stages, as @David_Ornstein@TheAthleticFC report.
Villa accelerated on Johan Manzambi as Tielemans is expected to join #MUFC. 🔜
🥶🧊 Lamine Yamal: “What is aura? In football, Cristiano Ronaldo”.
“Aura is a person who gives off, something like when they arrive, it's like… WOW. For example, Brad Pitt or like that”.
“In football, Cristiano would be a good example of aura”.
EXCL: Karl Darlow close to signing for Manchester United.
Goalkeeper, 35, will provide support for Senne Lammens with Altay Bayindir expected to depart.
Darlow leaves Leeds as a free agent, making rare switch from Elland Road to Old Trafford ⬇️ #MUFC
https://t.co/DWMGb2zZA6
Man United are considering a move for Manu Kone and have added the Roma midfielder to their shortlist after being informed he is keen to test himself in the Premier League, @TEAMtalk understands.
https://t.co/awZR6aNfFo
🚨⚪️ BREAKING: Aurélien Tchouaméni to sign new deal at Real Madrid soon, all agreed on contract until June 2031!
Real Madrid are ready to sign soon, as @FabriceHawkins@pepealvarezzz reported.
Man United deal never close due to high salary and Madrid not opening doors to exit.
🚨🔴 Andrey Santos to Manchester United, here we go! Deal in place with medical now booked in next 24h for Brazilian midfielder.
#MUFC to pay £50m matching price asked by Chelsea plus 10% sell-on clause.
Contract until June 2031 to be signed tomorrow — follows @David_Ornstein.
🚨 EXCL: Manchester United reach agreement with Chelsea to sign Andrey Santos. Deal for 22yo #CFC midfielder worth £48m + £2m easily achievable add-ons & 10% sell-on clause. Permission given to undergo #MUFC medical; personal terms in place @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/TY4qfwhHT4