A peaceful march organized by Youth for Change in Itanagar saw thousands demanding education reforms and supporting Sonam Wangchuk's campaign for transparency.
Itanagar, India Jul 21, 2026 ALN: ITANAGAR, 20 Jul: Thousands of students, parents, youths, and citizens participated in a peaceful march organized by the youth coalition, Youth for Change, on Monday here to express solidarity with education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk and to demand greater transparency, accountability, and reforms in the country’s education system.
Participants began assembling at Akashdeep from around 9 am, carrying banners and placards in support of Wangchuk’s campaign. As the crowd gathered, slogans such as “We Want Justice!”, “Resign Karo, Resign Karo, Dharmendra Pradhan Resign Karo!”, “Bandh Karo, Bandh Karo, Paper Leak Bandh Karo!” and “Aage Badho, Aage Badho, Sonam Wangchuk Aage Badho!” echoed through the area. Some participants also raised slogans critical of the Narendra Modi-led central government over the alleged examination paper leak and called for accountability.
The march commenced at around 11:30 am and proceeded peacefully from Akashdeep to IG Park, where a public rally was held. Volunteers coordinated the procession while participants marched through the capital carrying placards and chanting slogans in support of education reforms.
Addressing the gathering, various speakers said the rally was organized to express solidarity with Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike demanding reforms and greater transparency in the education sector. They said the movement was not about supporting an individual but about safeguarding the future of students and restoring public confidence in the country’s examination system.
Several speakers alleged that repeated irregularities in competitive examinations have undermined students’ trust in the system, particularly affecting aspirants from lower- and middle-income families whose future depends on merit-based recruitment. They called for greater accountability and urged the authorities to ensure that examination processes remain fair and transparent.
Speakers described the peaceful protest as a democratic right and appealed to the government to engage in dialogue with students and address their concerns.
They expressed hope that the demonstration would encourage constructive discussions and lead to meaningful reforms in the education system.
Participants who attended the rally said they had joined voluntarily to support the cause and expressed satisfaction over the large turnout. Many said the gathering reflected growing awareness among young people about issues affecting students and the importance of protecting the integrity of competitive examinations.
The participants thanked Sonam Wangchuk for what they described as his commitment to educational reforms and expressed hope that the nationwide support would strengthen his campaign. They appealed to citizens across the country to support efforts aimed at creating a transparent, accountable, and equitable education system for future generations.
The rally concluded peacefully at IG Park after participants reaffirmed their commitment to continue supporting democratic initiatives seeking reforms in the education sector.
The Congress unit on Monday backed the nationwide ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ campaign against examination paper leaks, accusing the Centre of jeopardizing the future of students and youths across the country.
In a statement, Congress Committee (APCC) spokesperson Johny Yangfo alleged that repeated examination paper leaks have created uncertainty among students and questioned the Centre’s handling of the education system.
He claimed that the issue has affected the future of lakhs of aspirants and called for urgent reforms to restore confidence in the examination process.
The Congress leader said the party’s nationwide campaign, led by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, aimed to reach out to students and highlight their concerns.
Yangfo said the campaign sought to raise awareness about issues affecting the country’s youths and press for greater accountability.
Alleging that the government has failed to address recurring paper leaks, Yangfo said students continue to suffer due to lapses in the examination system.
He also criticized the Union Education Ministry, claiming that such incidents would continue unless corrective measures are taken.
The leader further referred to the detention of activist Sonam Wangchuk and accused the government of suppressing dissent instead of responding to public concerns.
He claimed that protests against the alleged failures of the government have drawn widespread attention both within the country and abroad.
Expressing concern over reports of students allegedly taking the extreme step following examination-related issues, he urged the government to listen to the voices of the youths and take concrete action to safeguard their future.
Yangfo said thousands of youths have joined the campaign and voiced their support for the nationwide movement.
The APCC, under the leadership of its president Bosiram Siram, will continue to stand with students and raise the issue until their concerns are addressed, he added.
Our correspondent adds: A peaceful protest march in solidarity with Wangchuk was organized also in Tawang by the Tawang Middle Zone Students’ Union, in collaboration with various NGOs and local residents on Monday.
The protesters marched from Buddha Park to Dungyur Mani in the Old Market area, holding placards and shouting slogans against the government’s alleged ‘dictatorial attitude’ and ‘failure’ to conduct national-level higher education entrance examinations.
They also demanded the resignation of the union education minister and called for greater transparency and accountability in the country’s examination system.
The recent protests and the rally in Itanagar are part of a larger movement that has been gaining momentum across India, as discontent with the education system continues to grow. Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer and education reform advocate, has been at the forefront of this movement, using his platform to spotlight issues ranging from examination malpractices to the need for a more inclusive and equitable education framework.
Wangchuk, known for his innovative approaches to education and sustainable development, has been vocal about the need for reforms that address the systemic flaws in the current educational structure. His hunger strike serves as a symbol of the urgency and seriousness of the issues at hand, reflecting the frustration of countless students who feel their opportunities are being compromised.
The backdrop to the current protests includes a series of high-profile examination paper leaks that have raised questions about the integrity of the examination system. These incidents have not only affected the credibility of the examinations but have also led to widespread anxiety among students and parents about the fairness of the selection process in competitive exams.
In recent years, allegations of corruption and mismanagement within educational institutions and examination authorities have surfaced, further eroding public trust. The call for reform is not just about addressing the immediate concerns of paper leaks; it is also about fostering a system that prioritizes merit and ensures equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds.
The implications of these protests extend beyond the immediate demands for accountability and transparency. They highlight a growing awareness among students and young people about their rights and the importance of civic engagement. As more individuals join the movement, there is potential for a significant shift in the political landscape, as youth-led initiatives gain traction and push for systemic change.
Furthermore, the involvement of political parties like the Congress in supporting these movements indicates a recognition of the importance of youth issues in the broader political discourse. This could lead to a more significant focus on educational reforms in upcoming political agendas, as parties seek to align themselves with the aspirations of younger voters.
In conclusion, the march and the ongoing campaigns against examination paper leaks represent a critical juncture for India’s education system. The collective voice of students, activists, and political leaders underscores the urgent need for reforms that not only address current grievances but also lay the foundation for a more equitable and transparent educational framework for future generations. As the movement continues to gain momentum, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these calls for change and whether meaningful reforms will be implemented to restore trust in the education system.
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