Didn’t feel like watching R-Day parade for 1st time: Wangchuk’s wife
As India celebrated its 74th Republic Day with grandeur and pomp, a sense of disillusionment seemed to have settled in for Gitanjali, the wife of renowned educationist and innovator, Sonam Wangchuk. In a heartfelt tweet, Gitanjali expressed her disappointment and disconnection from the festivities, stating that she didn’t feel motivated to watch the Republic Day parade for the first time. This sentiment is particularly noteworthy, given that she had never missed watching the parade before.
Gitanjali’s tweet revealed a sense of sadness and confusion, as she struggled to come to terms with the current state of affairs in the country. “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 echo the sentiments of many Indians who are increasingly feeling disconnected from the idea of India that they once knew and loved.
The context of Gitanjali’s statement is crucial in understanding the depth of her emotions. Her husband, Sonam Wangchuk, has been in Jodhpur jail since September 2025. Wangchuk, who is known for his innovative approaches to education and his commitment to the development of Ladakh, was 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, supposedly to prevent them from acting in a manner that is deemed prejudicial to the security of the state or the maintenance of public order.
Wangchuk’s detention has been widely criticized by human rights activists, educators, and concerned citizens across the country. Many have questioned the grounds for his detention, arguing that it is a clear case of harassment and intimidation by the state. The fact that a respected and accomplished individual like Wangchuk can be detained without trial has sent shockwaves through the nation, leading many to question the state of democracy and freedom in India.
Gitanjali’s statement, therefore, is not just a personal expression of disappointment but also a reflection of the growing sense of disillusionment among Indians. As the country celebrates its Republic Day, many are forced to confront the reality of a nation that seems to be increasingly intolerant of dissent and critical voices. The detention of individuals like Wangchuk, who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of society, is a stark reminder of the challenges that India faces in its pursuit of becoming a truly democratic and just nation.
The Republic Day parade, which is typically a grand display of India’s military might, cultural diversity, and national pride, seems to have lost its appeal for Gitanjali. Her statement suggests that the spectacle of the parade can no longer mask the underlying issues that plague the nation. The pomp and grandeur of the celebrations seem hollow when set against the backdrop of a nation that is struggling to uphold its democratic values and protect the rights of its citizens.
As India celebrates its Republic Day, it is essential to remember the principles of justice, equality, and liberty that are enshrined in the Constitution. The detention of individuals like Sonam Wangchuk is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and the importance of protecting these principles. Gitanjali’s statement serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the erosion of democratic values and the need for citizens to remain engaged and critical of the powers that be.
In conclusion, Gitanjali’s statement is a powerful expression of the disillusionment that many Indians feel today. As the nation celebrates its Republic Day, it is essential to remember the principles that are supposed to guide us and to work towards creating a nation that is truly just, equal, and free. The detention of Sonam Wangchuk and the subsequent sense of disillusionment among citizens like Gitanjali serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that India faces in its pursuit of becoming a truly democratic nation.
News source: https://x.com/GitanjaliAngmo/status/2015790605637747092
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