Rajini Vaidyanathan

Activist Sonam Wangchuk told the BBC that youth-led protests over exam paper leaks and education reform have significantly weakened Narendra Modi's government and given young Indians greater confidence to challenge authority. The demonstrations followed Wangchuk's 26-day hunger strike and contributed to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. The government has announced fast-track courts, examination-system reforms and compensation for affected families, but Wangchuk argues that deeper changes are needed to align education with India's severe graduate-unemployment problem. Protesters continue to face legal cases, police harassment and online abuse, while Wangchuk warns that further protests could expand beyond education if the government fails to respond.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk says youth-led protests over exam paper leaks and unemployment have seriously weakened Narendra Modi’s government and given young Indians greater confidence to challenge authority. The demonstrations contributed to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, while the government has promised fast-track courts, examination reforms and compensation for affected families. Wangchuk argues that India’s exam-focused education system requires fundamental change to address graduate unemployment, and warns that protests could expand beyond education if leaders fail to respond. He also says protesters continue to face legal and social pressure, while maintaining that non-violent resistance can influence the government.