India, Aug. 14 -- Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday called for a "peaceful revolution" in the way India chooses its political leadership, saying the country needs a major change if it is to remain a "respectable nation" by 2047.

In a video message ahead of Independence Day, Wangchuk also called for "India's second Independence movement", urging citizens to suggest "selfless, fearless men and women of character and substance" who can help shape the country's future.

He said he had been unwell over the past few days and had spent time thinking about the country and its future.

"Fifty years ago, the neighbouring countries that were behind us, or were equal to us, have now gone miles away from us," he said, naming Thailand, Malaysia, Ind...