Sonam Wangchuk Joins Student Protests in Delhi Demanding Education Reform

On Saturday, renowned educator and activist Sonam Wangchuk gathered with hundreds of students and young professionals at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. He expressed his support for the youth-led protests against alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests, calling for immediate reforms in India's education system. Speaking at the rally organized by the online movement 'Cockroach Public Party' (CJP), Wangchuk stated that while he does not favor protests, he felt compelled to stand with students demanding justice. He told the crowd, "I do not like protests, but we must do this for justice," which was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. Wangchuk also commended the central government for allowing the demonstration, arguing that fundamental changes are necessary in the country's education system.

One of Wangchuk's most impactful remarks came when he suggested that the children of politicians and bureaucrats should attend government educational institutions. He emphasized that those who are part of the system should have access to the same educational facilities available to ordinary citizens, believing that this would lead to meaningful reforms. When students repeatedly chanted for him to become the education minister, Wangchuk firmly dismissed any political ambitions, stating, "I have no desire to enter politics. I want the youth to take responsibility." The protest also turned emotional as organizers paid tribute to students who reportedly lost their lives due to paper leaks, exam pressures, and flaws in the education system.

During the gathering, the names of students who had committed suicide were read aloud, prompting a moment of silence among attendees. Many participants wore masks symbolizing the movement, while others carried flowers and the national flag. School students attended alongside their parents, joining college students and young professionals at the event. Earlier, CJP founder Abhijit Dipke accused the government of focusing on the organization's social media activities instead of addressing their demands, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged irregularities in exams and recruitment processes.