We are children of one nation, equal citizens under one Constitution, part of one of the oldest civilizations on Earth. So why should any of us be treated unequally?

Ladies and gentlemen, I have decided to unite students of the General/Unreserved category to help us claim our right — to be treated as equal citizens of this country. We do not want conflict. We know the strength of the forces arrayed against us, but we are determined that justice will be done.

The category we belong to has become a symbol of exclusion — restricting us from opportunities we have earned, in a way that does not apply to other reserved categories. The first step toward changing this is to eliminate that difference. We do not wish to ignite fear or hatred toward anyone. But I ask every General category candidate to help us light up the sky — and the conscience of the Indian government — with our defiance of this injustice.

Reservation should not be based on caste. It should be based on economic need. If this does not change, poverty — not caste — will be the fault line that one day divides this nation.

Thank you.