Indians in Berlin Rally for Sonam Wangchuk as CJP Protest Video Goes Viral

It was a crisp evening at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate when a modest crowd of Indian expatriates unfurled placards and shouted slogans in solidarity with a protest that began half a world away. The scene, filmed by an Instagram user named Payal, quickly rippled through social media, amassing thousands of views and comments within hours.

In the video, you can see a mix of students, professionals and a few curious onlookers. Some hold signs that read, “Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign,” while others display messages like “We stand with Sonam Wangchuk” and “Democracy demands dialogue.” A lone protester even held up a poster that said, “I support Sonam Wangchuk, the students of India.” The energy felt genuine – raw, a little shaky, and unmistakably human.

The backdrop is unmistakable: the neoclassical columns of the Brandenburg Gate, tourists snapping selfies, and a faint hum of city traffic. Yet, for those gathered, the gate became a makeshift stage for a cause that started at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar a few weeks ago.

That cause is the so‑called Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical student collect‑ive that erupted after allegations of leakage and irregularities in the NEET exam. Founded by activist Abhijeet Dipke, the group isn’t a political party; it’s more of a protest meme that grew into a full‑blown movement demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Things took a sharper turn when activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike outside Jantar Mantar, was forcibly removed by Delhi police. His arrest ignited fresh fury, pulling thousands of students onto the streets and prompting the diaspora to voice their concerns from abroad.

Online reactions to the Berlin clip range from admiration to invitation. One comment read, “Some Indians do support the cause from abroad…Respect.” Another user reflected, “They live overseas, enjoy better opportunities, yet they still care about our education system.” A few commenters even offered to join future rallies, asking for dates and locations – one even mentioned a follow‑up gathering in front of the Indian Embassy at 6:30 p.m. the next day.

Back in Delhi, the protest has been escalating. Tens of thousands have gathered near Jantar Mantar, attempts to march toward Parliament have been thwarted by barricades, and reports of internet shutdowns swirl around the protest site. Yet, the spirit of the movement seems to have leapt across continents, finding a foothold at a German landmark.

Whether it’s the sight of a familiar flag fluttering amid foreign architecture, or the simple act of holding a sign that says “I stand with Sonam,” the Berlin demonstration underscores a timeless truth: activism knows no borders. And in the age of instant sharing, a short clip from a city halfway across the globe can fuel the fire of a student-led uprising back home.