Director Pa Ranjith joined numerous other celebrities in support of educationalist Sonam Wangchuk. Earlier this Sunday, the filmmaker shared a note on social media voicing his solidarity for the educationist. After his days-long hunger strike at Jantar Mantar where he protested NEEK paper leak, the activist has been moved to a hospital. Mentioning that his note is "In solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk, the Cockroach Janta Party and every protester at Jantar Mantar," the filmmaker shared, "the use of force against protesters, the detention of those standing in solidarity, and the decision to move innovator and activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital during his 21-day hunger strike are deeply disturbing."
According to Pa Ranjith, "Sonam Wangchuk’s struggle reflects the anger, anxiety, and uncertainty that millions of young people across the country have been forced to endure. Repeated allegations of paper leaks, failures in the examination system, and the absence of accountability have put the dreams and futures of countless students at stake. Instead of responding to these concerns, the government has chosen to crack down on peaceful democratic dissent."
The filmmaker opined that the nation's future is "at stake" and called on Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the central government, led by the BJP, to "have a responsibility to respond with accountability, not force."
Ranjith also expressed his support for and solidarity to all participants at Wangchuk’s 'Chalo Sansad' parliament march in Delhi on Sunday. "The peaceful demand for accountability deserves to be heard, not silenced," wrote the director, known for his films that speak out against social issues, such as systemic oppression.
The filmmaker also shared a separate note listing out protester Gitanjali's demands to the government, which include "Freedom from injustice (like paper leaks)" and "From from fear (my illegal detention)."
