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GOA STUDENTS’ ‘I AM A TERMITE’ PROTEST… GAINS ATTENTION AFTER POLITICAL REMARK!
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GOA STUDENTS’ ‘I AM A TERMITE’ PROTEST… GAINS ATTENTION AFTER POLITICAL REMARK!

July 24 - July 31, 2026, Protest July 24, 2026 , by

Goa students and activists gathered at Azad Maidan to protest Narendra Sawaikar’s ‘termite’ remark and to demand accountability over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. Here’s what happened:

What started as a controversial social media post by Goa BJP Vice-President and former MP Narendra Sawaikar has now transformed into a powerful student movement. Instead of backing down, students in Goa chose to reclaim the word “termite” and wear it with pride, saying their fight is not against the country, but against injustice in the education system.
At Azad Maidan in Panaji, students, activists, and concerned citizens gathered to voice their anger over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and the remarks that followed. Their message was simple: asking questions is not anti-national, and demanding accountability is every citizen’s right.

How Did the Controversy Begin?
The controversy began after Narendra Sawaikar shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) saying, “Cockroaches with the termites! Save the nation!”
 Although he later clarified that the post was not directed at students, many interpreted it as a reference to those protesting over the NEET-UG issue. The statement quickly sparked criticism across Goa, with student groups, opposition leaders, and activists calling the language disrespectful and inappropriate.Instead of responding with anger, many students responded with symbolism. During the protest at Azad Maidan, several participants wore black T-shirts carrying the words “I’m a Termite.” The slogan became more than just a response—it became a message.
Students argued that if raising questions about examination irregularities, transparency, and accountability makes them “termites,” then they would proudly accept the label rather than remain silent. One student addressed the gathering saying,
“We are educated youth, not termites destroying the country.”
That statement summed up the mood of the protest. The gathering was not just about one social media post but about how young people believe their concerns are being dismissed.

Why Students Are Protesting
At the heart of the protest lies frustration over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and growing concerns about the fairness of competitive examinations.
 Many students believe months, and sometimes years, of preparation lose value when questions are raised about the credibility of entrance exams. They say they are demanding transparent investigations and accountability, not political confrontation.
For many of them, this protest is about protecting the future of students across the country. Despite heavy police presence, the demonstration remained peaceful. Students held placards, raised slogans, and later participated in a candlelight vigil, calling for justice and reforms in the education system.
The visuals of young protesters holding candles while wearing “I’m a Termite” T-shirts quickly spread across social media, turning the protest into one of the most talked-about developments in Goa.

The Bigger Question
This incident has also sparked a wider conversation. Should public representatives use language that can be interpreted as insulting citizens? Can criticism of government policies coexist with patriotism? And how should democratic dissent be treated?
 These questions go beyond one protest or one political statement. Whether you agree with the protesters or not, one thing is clear—the youth are determined to make their voices heard. By turning a controversial label into a symbol of resistance, they have shown that public discourse can sometimes take unexpected turns.
As the debate continues, the focus now shifts back to the issues that brought students onto the streets in the first place: trust in the education system, accountability, and the right to express their concerns peacefully.

Courtesy: Goa Prism

Related posts:

  1. WHO SILENCED INDIA’S PROTEST STREETS?By Prabhu Chawla
  2. GOAN STUDENTS RESENT BEING CALLED TERMITES!By Dr Olav & Deborah Albuquerque

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