Sonam Wangchuk calls for peaceful revolution

Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, in a video message ahead of India's Independence Day, called for a 'peaceful revolution' in the way India chooses its political leadership. He argued that India needs fundamental change to become a developed nation by 2047, citing slower per capita GDP growth compared to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Wangchuk praised recent protests that led to the resignation of the education minister but expressed skepticism about the new minister. He claimed that nearly half of the members of the India — Parliament of India face criminal charges, and a third face serious allegations including murder, rape, and kidnapping. He emphasized that his criticism is not directed at any particular party but at the system of selecting leaders. Wangchuk, based in India — Ladakh, appealed to citizens to suggest names of 'selfless, fearless men and women of character and substance' to help shape the country's future, and called for 'India's second Independence movement'.