Didn’t feel like watching R-Day parade for 1st time: Wangchuk’s wife
As India celebrated its 74th Republic Day on January 26, 2024, a sense of patriotism and national pride filled the air. The annual Republic Day parade, which showcases the country’s military might, cultural diversity, and technological advancements, is an event that many Indians look forward to. However, for Gitanjali, the wife of renowned education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, this year’s parade was different. For the first time, she didn’t feel motivated to watch the parade, and her reasons are a reflection of the growing disillusionment among many Indians with the current state of affairs in the country.
Gitanjali, who has always been an enthusiastic viewer of the Republic Day parade, expressed her sentiments on social media, stating that she didn’t know how much to feel proud of what’s showcased anymore. Her comments are a stark contrast to the usual excitement and pride that many Indians feel on this day. “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!” she wrote. These words reflect a sense of confusion, disillusionment, and disappointment that many people are feeling today.
The context of Gitanjali’s comments is important to understand. Her husband, Sonam Wangchuk, has been in Jodhpur jail since September 2025. Wangchuk, who is known for his innovative approaches to education and his work in promoting sustainable development in the Ladakh region, was arrested and detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA). The PSA is a law that allows for the detention of individuals without trial for up to two years, and it has been widely criticized for its potential for misuse.
Wangchuk’s arrest and detention have been seen by many as a crackdown on dissenting voices and a attempt to stifle free speech. The charges against him have been questioned by many, and his detention has been widely condemned by human rights organizations and civil society groups. In this context, Gitanjali’s comments on the Republic Day parade take on a deeper meaning. They reflect a sense of disillusionment with the way the country is being governed and a feeling that the values of democracy and freedom are being eroded.
The Republic Day parade is an event that is meant to showcase the country’s strength, diversity, and progress. However, for many people, this year’s parade was a reminder of the growing divide between the government and the people. The parade’s theme of “unity in diversity” seemed hollow in the face of the increasing polarization and intolerance that is prevalent in the country today. The absence of any meaningful representation of the concerns and aspirations of marginalized communities, women, and minority groups was also notable.
Gitanjali’s comments also reflect a sense of confusion and mistrust that many people are feeling today. With the proliferation of fake news, propaganda, and disinformation, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to discern what is true and what is not. The government’s attempts to control the narrative and suppress dissenting voices have created an atmosphere of suspicion and distrust. In this context, it is not surprising that Gitanjali is questioning what to believe and what not to.
The fact that Gitanjali, who has always been an enthusiastic viewer of the Republic Day parade, is feeling this way is a reflection of the growing disillusionment among many Indians with the current state of affairs in the country. It is a warning sign that the government and the ruling elite would do well to heed. The erosion of trust and the loss of faith in the system can have far-reaching consequences, and it is essential to address these concerns before it is too late.
In conclusion, Gitanjali’s comments on the Republic Day parade are a reflection of the growing disillusionment and mistrust that many people are feeling today. The context of her husband’s arrest and detention, the erosion of democratic values, and the growing divide between the government and the people have all contributed to this sense of disillusionment. It is essential for the government to take these concerns seriously and to work towards addressing the underlying issues. Only then can we hope to restore the sense of pride and patriotism that the Republic Day parade is meant to evoke.
News Source: https://x.com/GitanjaliAngmo/status/2015790605637747092
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