Sonam Wangchuk joins Hyderabad student protest over exam paper leaks at Dharna Chowk

Activist Sonam Wangchuk addressed a protest of about 200 people at Dharna Chowk in Hyderabad on Sunday, calling on the youth to question the government without fear regarding recent competitive exam paper leaks and anomalies. Organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), the demonstration drew students and competitive exam aspirants demanding the resignation of Union HRD Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Wangchuk, a leader from Ladakh, advocated for educational development and environmental protection as the way forward for India. He urged young people whose lives have been impacted by examination troubles to speak up and strive for a "bhay-mukt Bharat" (India without fear).

Vijeta Dahiya, a spokesperson for the CJP, addressed the gathering to highlight the toll that exam anomalies have taken on students. Dahiya paid tribute to those standing up to demand the HRD Minister's resignation and also recalled Rohith Vemula, the University of Hyderabad student who died by suicide in 2016. Dahiya noted that Telangana has a rich history of youth protests, ranging from the Telangana agitation to the "Save KBR park" movement.

The protesters, primarily youngsters, raised slogans of "Jai Bhim" and "Hail Constitution" while carrying posters demanding Pradhan's resignation. Many stated they drew inspiration from historical figures such as Bhagat Singh, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Birsa Munda, Jyotiba Phule, Savitri Bai Phule, and Fatima Sheikh.

Several young attendees shared their personal struggles resulting from exam irregularities. Pranavi Wankhede, a student who moved from Maharashtra to Hyderabad for NEET coaching, explained that her entire family has suffered due to the paper leaks. She added that the uncertainty has pressured her family to consider marrying off her elder sister, who also appeared for the NEET.

Other students expressed their anxiety and desire for reform. Nitya, a protester, stated she joined the demonstration because she wants a foolproof examination system. Kartik, an MBA final-year student planning to write the NET, expressed constant worry over potential paper leaks, while another student named Teena questioned critics of their patriotism amidst slogans of Vande Mataram and Jai Shri Ram.