‘This Is a Victory for the Nation and Democracy’: Sonam Wangchuk Welcomes Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation

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Exclusive to ITV Bryan Thomas

Activist and education reform campaigner Sonam Wangchuk has welcomed the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, describing it as a moment that belongs to the people rather than any single individual or organisation.

In an exclusive conversation with the ITV Network, Wangchuk said the government’s decision reflected sensitivity towards the voice of the nation. Calling it “a victory of the nation and democracy,” he congratulated citizens across the country, saying the outcome had been made possible because people chose to stand together and speak up peacefully.

He reserved special praise for Gen Z and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), whom he credited with igniting the movement, before extending his gratitude to everyone who joined the campaign in different ways. According to Wangchuk, every student, volunteer and citizen who refused to give up had contributed to the moment.

But even in celebration, he urged restraint.

“This is victory,” he said, adding that victory should be worn with humility. He appealed to supporters not to drift away from the path of peace or allow celebrations to become confrontational. “Rejoice,” he said, “but don’t do anything that hurts others.”

For Wangchuk, the resignation should mark not the end of a movement but the beginning of a larger conversation. He said the country now has an opportunity to usher in an era of reforms, where accountability becomes the norm rather than the exception. Education, he argued, needs a stronger and more resilient framework, while governance must be rooted in trust, compassion and public service—not fear.

He also spoke of a wider vision for the country, expressing hope for an India free from injustice and corruption. Just as the country embraced the idea of a Clean India, he said, the same commitment must now be applied to cleaning up governance and strengthening institutions.

Ending on a hopeful note, Wangchuk said he looks forward to sincere efforts towards environmental restoration and democratic empowerment in Ladakh, while expressing hope that Jammu and Kashmir will see the restoration of statehood. Congratulating the nation once again, he said the moment should inspire unity, responsibility and a renewed faith in democracy.