Didn’t feel like watching R-Day parade for 1st time: Wangchuk’s wife
As India celebrated its 74th Republic Day on January 26, 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 a highly anticipated event that is watched by millions of Indians around the world. However, this year, one person who didn’t feel motivated to watch the parade was Gitanjali, the wife of Sonam Wangchuk, a renowned engineer and innovator from Ladakh.
In a recent social media post, Gitanjali expressed her disappointment and disillusionment with the current state of affairs in the country. She stated that she had never missed watching the Republic Day parade before, but this year, she didn’t feel like watching 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!” she wrote. This statement reflects the growing sense of disillusionment and skepticism that many Indians are feeling today.
Gitanjali’s husband, Sonam Wangchuk, has been in the news recently for his activism and advocacy for environmental and social causes. He has been a vocal critic of the government’s policies and has been arrested and detained on several occasions. Currently, he is lodged in Jodhpur jail since September 2025. Wangchuk’s detention has sparked widespread outrage and protests, with many demanding his release and criticizing the government for its handling of the situation.
Gitanjali’s statement is a reflection of the growing sense of discontent and disillusionment that many Indians are feeling today. With the increasing politicization of institutions, the erosion of democratic values, and the suppression of dissenting voices, many people are beginning to question the very foundations of our democracy. The fact that a person like Gitanjali, who has always been proud of her country and its achievements, is now feeling disillusioned and disconnected from the national narrative is a worrying sign.
The Republic Day parade is a celebration of India’s diversity, pluralism, and democratic values. It is a day when Indians come together to celebrate their nation’s achievements and aspirations. However, when people like Gitanjali start to feel disconnected from this narrative, it is a sign that something is amiss. It is a reflection of the growing sense of discontent and disillusionment that is spreading across the country.
In recent years, India has witnessed a steady erosion of democratic values and institutions. The government has been accused of suppressing dissenting voices, muzzling the media, and undermining the independence of institutions. The detention of activists, journalists, and intellectuals has become commonplace, and the space for dissent and debate has been shrinking rapidly. This has created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, where people are hesitant to speak out against the government or question its policies.
The case of Sonam Wangchuk is a classic example of this trend. Wangchuk, who is a renowned engineer and innovator, has been a vocal critic of the government’s policies on environment and education. He has been arrested and detained on several occasions, and his detention has sparked widespread outrage and protests. The fact that a person like Wangchuk, who has made significant contributions to the country, is being treated in this manner is a reflection of the government’s intolerance of dissent and criticism.
In this context, Gitanjali’s statement is a powerful indictment of the government’s policies and actions. It reflects the growing sense of disillusionment and discontent that many Indians are feeling today. It is a call to action, a reminder that we need to reclaim our democracy and restore the values of pluralism, tolerance, and dissent that are essential to a healthy and functioning democracy.
As we celebrate our Republic Day, we need to ask ourselves some tough questions. What kind of country do we want to build? What values do we want to uphold? How can we ensure that our democracy is robust, inclusive, and accountable? These are questions that require serious reflection and debate, and they cannot be answered by simply watching a parade or celebrating a national holiday.
In conclusion, Gitanjali’s statement is a wake-up call for all of us. It is a reminder that our democracy is facing serious challenges and that we need to come together to reclaim it. We need to demand more from our government, more transparency, more accountability, and more respect for democratic values. We need to create a space for dissent and debate, where people can express their opinions and criticize the government without fear of reprisal. Only then can we build a country that is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people.
News source: https://x.com/GitanjaliAngmo/status/2015790605637747092
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