Sonam Wangchuk's health has become critical, leading his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, to step into a more prominent role in the ongoing protest movement advocating for education reform. Angmo clarified that the movement is not political but a collective voice of disillusioned Indian youth demanding a fundamental overhaul of the education system, a sentiment shared by parents and educators alike. She emphasized that Wangchuk's role was a spark igniting a national awakening, with the movement's purity and lack of political agendas being paramount, though she welcomes support. Angmo foresees a renewal of political ideals and broader societal reforms stemming from this initial push for educational change, with the primary goals being the safety of protesters, accountability for past failures, a clear plan for educational reforms, and compensation for affected families.

Sonam Wangchuk's health has become critical, leading his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, to step into a more prominent role in the ongoing protest movement advocating for education reform. Angmo clarified that the movement is not political but a collective voice of disillusioned Indian youth demanding a fundamental overhaul of the education system, a sentiment shared by parents and educators alike. She emphasized that Wangchuk's role was a spark igniting a national awakening, with the movement's purity and lack of political agendas being paramount, though she welcomes support. Angmo foresees a renewal of political ideals and broader societal reforms stemming from this initial push for educational change, with the primary goals being the safety of protesters, accountability for past failures, a clear plan for educational reforms, and compensation for affected families.

Sonam Wangchuk's health has become critical, leading his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, to step into a more prominent role in the ongoing protest movement advocating for education reform. Angmo clarified that the movement is not political but a collective voice of disillusioned Indian youth demanding a fundamental overhaul of the education system, a sentiment shared by parents and educators alike. She emphasized that Wangchuk's role was a spark igniting a national awakening, with the movement's purity and lack of political agendas being paramount, though she welcomes support. Angmo foresees a renewal of political ideals and broader societal reforms stemming from this initial push for educational change, with the primary goals being the safety of protesters, accountability for past failures, a clear plan for educational reforms, and compensation for affected families.

Sonam Wangchuk’s health has entered a critical phase and the person carrying the weight of the movement beyond the protest site has been his wife Gitanjali Angmo. In an interview, she speaks about Wangchuk's health, and concerns around judiciary, media, health care, and most important, education.

The CJP movement seems to have become bigger than the party itself. What do you make of the people coming out on the streets in such large numbers, and how do you see its future?

First of all, it is not a party as such. It is a representation of the youth of the country. The fact that it has become as big as it has is a reflection of the necessity for a complete overhaul of the education system. And this is not just the demand of the students and children alone, but of their parents, educators, and everybody who is invested in education, either as a subject or in the future of the country's youth.

Sonam Wangchuk is not present at Jantar Mantar, even though he has become the biggest symbol of the strike. What is your roadmap to sustain public pressure?

Sonam Wangchuk is not the cause of this movement. It is the national conscience of every youth and every well-meaning Indian who has become completely disillusioned with every government system—be it judiciary, media, health care and, most important, education. This is a reflection of the nation's discontent with the government's handling of issues, and with its lack of vision for the things that matter most, like education.

This movement has taken on a life of its own, and Sonam was, and continues to be, the spark that ignited the nation's awakening. The discontent was already there—people needed a courageous face to lead and guide them, and Sonam happened to be that face. He earned that trust because of a life dedicated to education, lived on high moral ground, with a conscience that reflects this movement. Everyone who has been to the protests—and even those who haven't—cannot disagree that this is a movement in its purest form. There are no political agendas. It is simply the youth of the country who, in the innocence and purity of their hearts, want the system to change for their brighter future.

Political parties are trying to claim ownership of the movement. How are you going to ensure it remains non-political?

Unfortunately, everything in this country has become about politics and vote banks. What this movement has shown is that it is time to move beyond those petty considerations. The youth cannot be fooled anymore—they can see through the parties, their shallow promises, and their hidden agendas, and they are not buying it. What they are looking for is a sincere solution to the problem, and an organisation or a forum that can genuinely take this up and solve it.

Every party that is showing support, we are thankful to them, because I am sure they understand that education is the most important cause in this country. But the movement is so pure that all those associating with it for personal benefit or petty agendas will fall by the wayside. This is like an apocalypse that has arrived, and it will only carry forward people and intentions that are pure.

How do you see youth politics taking shape today? We see youth wings of different parties, yet there is a growing disengagement among young people.

Unfortunately, politics has become about votes, rigging, corruption and money. But according to Plato, politics is meant for the philosopher king—the Raj Rishi—the person who is enlightened and who returns to the people to enlighten them. So this wave, this flood, this apocalypse, is a wake-up call to politicians in this country and across the world that the time has come to return to the true meaning of being a politician or a statesman—to become the philosopher king.

I would not want to comment on youth politics at the level it exists today, because I don't want to engage with that level of dirt and filth. What I see in this movement is a renewal—a call for action and a revolution for the betterment of every aspect of society. It starts with education, but it will trickle down to health care, judiciary, police, politics, and agricultural reforms, because all of these systems are broken. This is just the beginning. It will reach every town and village, because the need is that universal.

You have become a visible part of this protest now. How do you envisage your role in this movement?

Mine and Sonam's role is to guide and support... so that the youngsters do not fall into the wrong hands, so that their agenda is not hijacked by nefarious elements or people acting for their own benefit.

I came into the picture only because Sonam was removed from the scene, and I did not want this movement to fade away. I have myself been an educator, and my Swadharma is to awaken every youth and help them find their own Swadharma. That is what I have been focused on. Going forward, we will continue to see ourselves as mentors, supporters and advisors to the youth, who are now ready to lead themselves.

At what point would you ask Sonam to end the fast?

We are constantly monitoring his vitals. While he has lost weight—11 kilos—and muscle mass, his vitals remain intact. In fact, this evening (July 22) he was to break his fast, but we heard rumours that the government was planning a crackdown on the protesters at Jantar Mantar and other places, so he has extended his fast. He has written a letter to Dr Jitendra Singh and J.P. Nadda, who visited him yesterday, and has also tweeted it. He will not break his fast unless he receives an assurance that no vindictive action, physical or legal, will be taken against the protesters, and that their demonstration will be seen as a representation to the leadership for the reform of the education system. We are awaiting that assurance from the Union ministers.

What are the non-negotiables of this movement?

The safety of the students and protesters who started this movement—that is number one. The accountability of the leadership that failed in its duties, leading to the leaking of papers. A concrete roadmap and agenda for educational reforms over the next ten years. And adequate compensation—up to a crore per family—for the families of the students who died by suicide. These are the four non-negotiables.

How long do you think you will stay in Delhi as the protest continues?

We will continue to stay in Delhi until we see actual intent from the government toward this cause and this movement.

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