Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday said the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was only the first step towards addressing concerns over alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) examination, urging the government to pursue wider reforms in India’s education system.
Speaking to reporters after paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, Wangchuk said accountability was essential in a democracy and expressed hope that the Centre would honour the assurances that led him to end his 26-day indefinite hunger strike. He also called for the withdrawal of cases registered against peaceful protesters while maintaining that those involved in unlawful activities during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demonstrations should face appropriate legal action.
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Reflecting on his protest, the 59-year-old engineer and education reform advocate said he visited Rajghat to express gratitude to Gandhi and reaffirm his faith in non-violent resistance. He said the movement demonstrated that Gandhian principles remain relevant in modern India, just as they were a century ago.
Wangchuk noted that he and his supporters had relied on peaceful methods in Ladakh for several years and were encouraged to see similar approaches succeed on a national stage. According to him, the outcome of the agitation proved that meaningful change could be achieved through dialogue and non-violence rather than confrontation.
Praising students and young protesters, Wangchuk said the movement succeeded because it remained largely peaceful. He urged people across the country to raise their concerns through democratic and non-violent means, adding that such efforts may take time but ultimately produce lasting results.
Wangchuk ended his hunger strike last week after Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh assured him that the government would act on concerns related to the NEET paper leak. Two days later, the CJP withdrew its agitation after the Centre accepted its demands and following Pradhan’s resignation. Another round of discussions between the two sides is expected to focus on long-term reforms in the education sector.
