Pune, June 11 (). Social activist Sonam Wangchuk from Ladakh joined the nationwide movement of Cockroach Janata Party in Pune. During this, he has appreciated the active participation of youth, awareness towards environmental protection and increasing demand for accountability in the field of education.
He said that Pune is now making its mark not only as an educational center but also as an important center of public participation, social consciousness and democratic expression. He described the peaceful and positive role of youth as inspiring for the country.
While talking to the media, Sonam Wangchuk said that she always gets a positive experience after coming to Pune. He said that whenever he came to Pune before, he saw the people here working actively for environmental protection. Sometimes the citizens of the city were seen running campaigns to save trees and sometimes they were seen struggling to conserve rivers and natural resources.
Wangchuk said that this time in Pune he got to see a new and important aspect, where the youth are raising their voice in an organized manner demanding accountability and transparency in the education system. Congratulating the youth of Pune, he said that their coming together peacefully to demand reforms and accountability in the education sector is a positive message for the entire country.
Appealing to the governments, he said that peaceful expression and public participation should be encouraged in democracy. Wangchuk said that wherever citizens want to express their views peacefully, they should be given the freedom to do so.
He said that encouraging peace and dialogue is the basis of the strength of any democratic system. If peaceful expressions are suppressed, it sends a wrong message to the society.
Sonam Wangchuk said governments have a responsibility to prevent violence and unrest, but also support peaceful movements and constructive dialogue. Positive change in society is possible only through dialogue, understanding and non-violent efforts. He said that expressing dissent is a natural part of democracy and should be seen as a healthy democratic tradition.
Wangchuk said education and environmental protection have always been at the center of his life and work. Quality education and environmental balance are essential for the sustainable development of any nation. He also said that the path of truth and non-violence has been the basic inspiration of his thoughts and campaigns.
Commenting on the role of media, Wangchuk said that news media should work on the principles of truth, impartiality and public interest. He expressed his wish that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should also discuss issues like media freedom, integrity and responsible journalism in his popular program ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
Wangchuk said that if India really has to be established as an ideal nation and ‘Vishwaguru’ at the global level, then freedom of expression, independent media and fact-based dialogue will have to be strengthened. He said that there should not be any kind of pressure or unnecessary influence on the media.
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ASH/DKP