Mumbai NEET protesters perform viral Viking Row celebration as calls for education minister's resignation intensify
Demonstrators in Mumbai recreated Norwegian striker Erling Haaland's Viking Row celebration during protests over the cancelled NEET-UG 2026 exam, with the video going viral as nationwide demonstrations continue over alleged examination irregularities.
'Erling, you have to see this': Mumbai NEET protesters recreate Haaland's Viking Row
A video showing protesters performing the Viking Row celebration during demonstrations in Mumbai has drawn widespread attention on social media, with users tagging Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland and urging him to watch the clip.
The footage, shared by user yehabizerhaina, captures a protester performing the celebration—where participants sit shoulder to shoulder and move their arms rhythmically while shouting 'ro' (Norwegian for 'row')—as onlookers cheer. The gesture, created by Norwegian superfan Ole Frøystad, symbolizes a Viking crew rowing into battle and became a viral sensation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Norway reached the knockout stage for the first time since 1998.
The celebration has prompted numerous comments calling on Haaland to view the video. The striker, known for frequently responding to viral content and memes involving him, promoted a special Google animation of the Viking Row during the World Cup.
Nationwide protests over exam irregularities
The demonstration in Mumbai is part of ongoing protests across Indian cities including Delhi and Bengaluru over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination process. The National Testing Agency cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 exam on May 12, nine days after it was conducted on May 3, following findings by central agencies that the integrity of the examination process had been compromised. The Government of India has referred the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a comprehensive inquiry into alleged irregularities and malpractices.
Over 2.27 million aspirants appeared for the exam seeking admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses, making it one of the largest exam disruptions in India. The cancellation has affected more than 2.2 million candidates.
Students and activists, along with the Cockroach Janata Party—a protest movement that emerged in May 2026 after a Supreme Court chief justice likened some unemployed young people to 'cockroaches'—have been demanding accountability and calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The movement initially involved satirical online memes before evolving into physical demonstrations.
Police action draws criticism
The demonstrations have intensified following a police lathi charge during the Chalo Sansad March at Jantar Mantar on July 20, when Delhi Police used force to disperse protesters attempting to march toward Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session. Police used tear gas and lathis after protesters moved beyond the permitted protest area, triggering widespread outrage.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was removed from the Jantar Mantar protest site on July 18 and taken to Safdarjung Hospital after 20 days on hunger strike, with police stating his health was deteriorating.
The response to the demonstrations has raised questions over the perceived silence of sections of Bollywood, particularly following the police action. However, several actors and public figures have expressed support for the protesters.
Naseeruddin Shah voiced support for the demonstrations, stating his blood boils over the situation. Sonu Sood, Dia Mirza, Shabana Azmi, Swara Bhasker, Prakash Raj, Diljit Dosanjh, Riteish Deshmukh, Vir Das, Genelia Deshmukh, Richa Chadha, Sonakshi Sinha and Ayush Sharma have also spoken out in support of the protesters.
Pattern of examination irregularities
India has witnessed more than 90 instances of paper leaks and examination irregularities at national and state levels over the past two decades, including at least 15 involving examinations conducted by central agencies. This systemic pattern has contributed to the depth of frustration among students and activists demanding comprehensive reforms beyond addressing a single exam incident.
As the protests continue across multiple cities, the Mumbai video has drawn a separate wave of attention online, with social media users focusing on the protester's energetic performance of the Viking Row and calling on Haaland to watch the viral clip.
