New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday called for a "peaceful revolution" in the way India chooses its political leadership, saying the country needs major changes to remain a "respectable nation" by 2047.

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

Wangchuk, who said he had been unwell in recent days, expressed concern over India's economic progress compared with neighbouring countries.

"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, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

He said that if the trend continued, India would not be a developed country by 2047 and could struggle to maintain its standing in global markets.

Wangchuk also congratulated those who had protested for change over the past two months and referred to the resignation of the Union education minister, while saying he did not expect a "miracle" from the successor.

He said India's progress was closely linked to its education system.

"As long as education is behind, the future of the country will also be behind," he said.

Wangchuk said governance problems could not be attributed to any single political party, alleging that governments of different parties had suppressed dissent.

He also referred to the political changes that followed the anti-corruption movement of 2012-13, saying corruption and injustice had subsequently taken new forms.

"We need a very big change, we need a revolution, we need a peaceful revolution in this country, so that we can move forward with the right leaders," he said.

He identified the selection of political leadership as a major shortcoming and raised concerns over criminal cases declared by elected representatives.

Wangchuk, however, stressed that his remarks were not directed at any particular political party or the Opposition.

"I am not talking about any particular party or opposition, I am talking about the country," he said.

He said he wanted to consult people across India and bring together those who could brainstorm on what needed to change.

He appealed to citizens to suggest names of people who were not merely intellectuals but were "selfless, fearless men and women of character and substance".

Based in Ladakh, Wangchuk said he did not know where to find such people and sought help from citizens in identifying them.

He said he wanted to travel to different states and cities to seek suggestions and meet people who could help "make a new map of our country".

Wangchuk ended his social media post with a call to "start India's 2nd Independence movement" and urged people to spread the message and translate it into regional languages.