Somy Ali: “Students Have Every Right to Demand Fairness, But Real Solutions Matter More Than Political Theatre”

Mumbai: Former actor and humanitarian Somy Ali has voiced her support for students seeking fairness in competitive examinations, while stressing that genuine concerns should lead to meaningful reforms rather than political spectacle. Sharing her views on the ongoing debate around alleged irregularities in competitive exams, Ali said young people deserve transparency, accountability, and an examination system that rewards merit.
“Students have every right to demand fairness. Competitive exams decide futures. If there are real irregularities, they must be exposed and fixed,” she said. “I respect young people who speak up with courage. But protest for the sake of protest is questionable. Noise without solutions only wastes time. Real student concerns deserve serious attention and real solutions—not political theatre.”
Reflecting on the value of education and perseverance, Ali shared her own journey after leaving the entertainment industry. “My father was born in Mumbai and was completely self-made. He earned his degrees through sheer hard work, and I followed the same path. After leaving Bollywood at the age of 24 with only a ninth-grade education, I worked tirelessly to complete my high school diploma, followed by a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Psychology, Film Studies from leading institutions in New York City, and a degree in Broadcast Journalism before launching my NGO, No More Tears. Ordinary students fight hard for every opportunity, and their struggles should never become a stage for political convenience.”
Speaking about the role of celebrities in public discourse, Ali believes that influence comes with responsibility. “Public figures have a platform and therefore a duty. But that duty is to speak with integrity, not for likes or headlines,” she said. “If you raise your voice, make sure it serves the people, not your own image or political convenience.”
She added that celebrity support for public causes is meaningful only when it contributes to tangible change. “Celebrity voices can amplify an issue, but amplification without accountability becomes noise. The real question should be whether they are adding substance or simply following a trend. Attention is valuable only if it leads to better exam systems, transparent processes, and protection of genuine merit. Empty solidarity does nothing for a student who has lost a year because of paper leaks.”Commenting on social activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk’s methods of peaceful protest, Ali acknowledged his contributions while emphasizing the importance of measurable outcomes. “Sonam Wangchuk has done significant work through his engineering innovations and educational reforms, inspiring an entire generation. Hunger strikes and peaceful protests are legitimate democratic tools when used sincerely and for a clear purpose. However, the true measure of any protest lies in the results it delivers, not the drama it creates. We must demand specific reforms, accountability, and lasting solutions.”Asked what reforms are necessary to restore students’ confidence in the examination system, Ali called for strong institutional action. “Accountability is non-negotiable. We need zero tolerance for paper leaks through swift investigations and strict punishment, technology that makes cheating nearly impossible, independent monitoring of examination bodies, and transparent grievance redressal so students do not lose years of their lives. Restoring confidence requires results, not slogans.” Addressing students directly, the humanitarian urged them to remain determined while focusing on constructive change. “Your anger is valid. Your future matters. But fight smart. Demand accountability, demand solutions, and demand results. Do not let anyone use your genuine pain as a political stage. Channel that energy into building a society where merit is protected, equality is real, and justice is not selective. I have spent my life rescuing the voiceless, and I know how difficult that fight can be. Stay focused, stay honest, and never confuse noise with progress.”