Environmentalist and education activist Sonam Wangchuk has said he does not want to become the face of student protests over alleged examination irregularities. In an interview with India Today, he encouraged young people to take responsibility for their own movements and become “heroes” in their own communities.
Wangchuk said he would continue supporting genuine causes related to education and the environment, but stressed that peaceful protests are essential in a democracy. He added that governments should listen to public concerns instead of treating every protest as a threat.
Speaking about the use of abusive slogans during demonstrations, Wangchuk said he does not support offensive language against political leaders. However, he urged authorities to understand the frustration that drives students to express their anger. According to him, leaders should address the root causes of public dissatisfaction rather than focus only on punishing protesters.
He also said that while anyone involved in violence should face legal action, peaceful students should not be targeted simply for raising their voices. Wangchuk recently ended a 26-day hunger strike and said he is recovering well at his village in Ladakh.