India’s Wangchuk Calls for Second Freedom Movement

Renowned Indian climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has called for a “Second Freedom Movement” and demanded major changes in the way the country selects its political leaders. In a video message released ahead of India’s Independence Day, he called for a non-violent and peaceful revolution.

He said his recent illness gave him time to reflect on India’s overall development and direction. He warned that, given the pace of India’s per-capita GDP growth compared with other Asian countries, India may fail to become a developed nation by 2047. He also said national development could stall unless capable and ethical leadership is ensured at every level of politics. Without targeting any particular political party, he said different governments in the past had witnessed suppression of dissent and corruption.

Referring to the 2012-13 anti-corruption movement, he said corruption and injustice have become more dangerous 12 years later. He said, “The problem is not partisan, rather the biggest flaw lies in the way we choose our leaders.”

He also stressed the need for major reforms in India’s education system. He urged citizens across India, starting with Ladakh, to suggest honest, fearless and capable people from their communities for leadership roles. He plans to travel across India, gather views from civil society and young people, and prepare a roadmap for structural change, which he described as India’s “Second Freedom Struggle.”