Didn’t feel like watching R-Day parade for 1st time: Wangchuk’s wife
As the nation celebrated its 74th Republic Day with grandeur and pomp, a sense of disillusionment and disappointment seemed to have settled in the heart of Gitanjali, the wife of renowned engineer and innovator, Sonam Wangchuk. In a candid admission, Gitanjali revealed that she didn’t feel motivated to watch the Republic Day parade for the first time, a tradition she had cherished and never missed in the past.
The reason behind this sudden change of heart is not hard to decipher. Sonam Wangchuk, the man who inspired the character of Phunsukh Wangdu in the Bollywood film ‘3 Idiots’, has been languishing in Jodhpur jail since September 2025. His incarceration has sent shockwaves across the country, with many questioning the circumstances that led to his arrest.
Gitanjali’s sentiments are a reflection of the growing sense of disillusionment and mistrust that has been building up among the citizens of this country. As she aptly put it, “It’s sad, but I don’t know how much to feel proud of what’s showcased anymore! What to believe and what not to!” These words resonate deeply, echoing the concerns of many who are struggling to come to terms with the current state of affairs in the nation.
The Republic Day parade, which is typically a spectacle of grandeur and pride, seemed to have lost its sheen for Gitanjali this year. The usual fanfare and excitement that comes with watching the parade, with its majestic display of military might, cultural diversity, and technological advancements, was noticeably absent. Instead, a sense of sadness and disillusionment seemed to have taken its place.
As the wife of a man who has been wrongly accused and imprisoned, Gitanjali’s feelings are understandable. The experience of seeing her husband, a man who has dedicated his life to the service of the nation, being treated in such a manner, can be devastating. The sense of helplessness and frustration that comes with watching a loved one suffer injustice can be overwhelming, and it’s no wonder that Gitanjali didn’t feel like watching the Republic Day parade this year.
The case of Sonam Wangchuk is a stark reminder of the flaws that exist in our system. A man who has been recognized for his contributions to the field of engineering and innovation, and has been awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award, among other honors, is languishing in jail. The reasons behind his arrest are still shrouded in mystery, and the lack of transparency has only added to the sense of disillusionment and mistrust.
As the nation celebrates its Republic Day, it’s essential to reflect on the values that our constitution embodies. The principles of justice, equality, and freedom that are enshrined in our constitution seem to have been forgotten in the case of Sonam Wangchuk. The fact that a man who has dedicated his life to the service of the nation can be treated in such a manner is a sad reflection of the state of our democracy.
Gitanjali’s words are a stark reminder of the erosion of trust that has taken place in our system. When the wife of a man who has been wrongly accused and imprisoned doesn’t feel like watching the Republic Day parade, it’s a clear indication that something is amiss. The sense of disillusionment and disappointment that she feels is not an isolated incident, but a reflection of the growing sense of mistrust that exists among the citizens of this country.
As we celebrate our Republic Day, it’s essential to remember the values that our constitution embodies. We need to strive for a system that is just, equitable, and free. The case of Sonam Wangchuk is a stark reminder of the flaws that exist in our system, and it’s essential that we learn from it. We need to ensure that the principles of justice and equality are upheld, and that the rights of citizens are protected.
In conclusion, Gitanjali’s admission that she didn’t feel like watching the Republic Day parade for the first time is a stark reminder of the disillusionment and mistrust that exists in our system. The case of Sonam Wangchuk is a sad reflection of the flaws that exist in our democracy, and it’s essential that we learn from it. As we celebrate our Republic Day, let’s strive for a system that is just, equitable, and free, where the rights of citizens are protected, and the principles of justice and equality are upheld.
News source: https://x.com/GitanjaliAngmo/status/2015790605637747092
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