The Indian Overseas Congress USA (IOC USA) held a demonstration in New York City’s Times Square on July 26 as part of a nationwide campaign supporting students in India protesting the NEET examination controversy and calling for greater transparency in the country’s education system.
The peaceful rally was one of several demonstrations organized across eight U.S. cities, including New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Detroit, Indiana and Washington, D.C.
Organizers said the campaign was intended to show solidarity with students while advocating for democracy, constitutional values, educational transparency and the right to peaceful protest.
Participants in Times Square carried Indian and American flags and held banners and placards calling for justice, accountability, equal opportunity and the protection of democratic freedoms. Organizers also raised concerns over reported police action against students, peaceful protesters and Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi.
The New York demonstration was led by IOC USA President Mohinder Singh Gilzian, Vice Chairman George Abraham, Secretary General John Joseph and Vice President Baldev Singh Randhawa. The event was coordinated by National General Secretary Sophia Sharma and New York Chapter President Imran Pasha.
Gilzian said accountability should extend beyond resignations and called for the resignations of Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Amit Shah. He also called for a public apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the withdrawal of FIRs filed against protesting students, action against those responsible for the use of force on students, and reforms to prevent future examination paper leaks. Gilzian also sought transparency about who authorized the police action and clarification on the role of individuals in plain clothes who were seen alongside police during the protests.
READ: Abhijeet Dipke: The man behind India’s Cockroach Janta Party is a Boston University student (May 22, 2026)
Abraham praised students for “standing firmly for justice and democratic values,” saying their movement underscored the importance of youth voices in shaping public discourse.
Joseph called for “a transparent, merit-based, and accountable education system” that provides equal opportunities for all students.
Randhawa said, “When democratic values are challenged anywhere, people of conscience everywhere have a responsibility to stand together. Our unity today reflects our shared commitment to justice, accountability, and democratic principles.”
Speaking on behalf of the organizers, Sharma said the Times Square gathering reflected the Indian diaspora’s commitment to democracy, peaceful civic engagement and the belief that dialogue and constitutional values are essential to a healthy democracy.
Pasha thanked community members for their participation, saying the turnout demonstrated the Indian diaspora’s continued commitment to democracy, constitutional values and peaceful civic engagement.
National Secretary Minhaj Khan expressed solidarity with students affected by the protests and called for the release of all detained students “irrespective of religion,” saying the rights, dignity and future of India’s youth should remain a national priority.
The demonstrations were organized under Gilzian’s leadership in cities across the United States. In Los Angeles, the event was led by Sabb Bhullar, working president of IOC USA West Coast, and Youth President Onker Singh. San Francisco’s demonstration was coordinated by Madhav Nemali, with participation from National General Secretary Sandeep Vangala and Gurinder Singh.
READ: Boston University student and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke heads to India to lead NEET protest (June 5, 2026)
The Chicago rally was led by Satheesan Nair, president of the IOC USA Kerala Chapter, and George Panicker, president of the IOC USA Chicago Chapter. In Detroit, the Michigan Chapter organized an event under President Sridhar Patel, while the Indiana Chapter, led by Rupinder Sahoke, held a gathering in Greenwood, Indiana. In Dallas, the demonstration was led by Gurdev Singh Hayer, working president of the IOC USA Southwest Chapter, and Ajay Goud, chairman of the membership committee. In Washington, D.C., members gathered at the Gandhi statue under the leadership of Johnson Myalil, Prakash Singh, Vikas Chaudhary, Vipin Raj and Vijay Narula.
The Times Square event also drew participation from community leaders representing IOC USA chapters nationwide, including Dr. Partha Banerjee, editor-in-chief of the IOC Newsletter; Paul Karukappilly, chairman of the Kerala Chapter; Leela Maret, former president of the Kerala Chapter; Rajiv Gowda, president of the Karnataka Chapter; National General Secretaries Jaswinder Singh Kang, Sharath Chandra and Joseph Idicula; National Secretary Qayam Masumi; Vice Chairman Mukesh Maid; and Rajiv Barrot of the New Jersey Chapter.
The demonstration concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to peaceful democratic engagement, constitutional governance, educational transparency, institutional accountability and equal opportunity. IOC USA said it would continue advocating for students and working with the global Indian diaspora to promote justice, fairness and constitutional values.