Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has refused to end his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, despite concerns over his deteriorating health, and has urged supporters to participate in a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20.
Wangchuk, who joined the protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), said in a video message that he was “not in good shape but not so bad either” and requested people to support the larger cause rather than asking him to withdraw his fast.
The protestors have raised concerns over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak controversy, and demanded accountability from the government.
While doctors monitoring Wangchuk have reported significant weight loss and physical weakness, they have said his vital parameters remain under observation.
Several political leaders and public figures have appealed to him to end the fast, while Wangchuk has maintained that dialogue and accountability are necessary before calling off the protest.
Health Concerns Rise As Fast Continues
Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered a critical phase as his health condition became a growing concern among supporters, public figures, and medical observers. In a video message shared on social media platform X, Wangchuk appealed to people not to focus only on his health and instead join the planned peaceful march to Parliament on July 20.
“I’m not in good shape but not so bad either… Rather than asking me to break my fast, please join me on 20th July… Peaceful March to the Parliament,” Wangchuk said in the video.
According to medical updates shared during the protest, Wangchuk has experienced considerable weight loss since beginning his fast. Reports stated that he lost around 8.9 kg, with his weight dropping to approximately 57.15 kg. Doctors monitoring him described him as physically weak but continued to keep him under medical supervision. His reported health parameters, including blood pressure, blood sugar levels and oxygen saturation, remained stable at the time of assessment.
Doctors reportedly recorded his blood pressure at 105/76 mmHg, blood sugar at 80 mg/dL and oxygen saturation at 97%, while noting that his hydration levels were satisfactory. However, concerns over the continuation of the fast led to discussions around whether medical intervention should be increased.
A petition was also filed before the Delhi High Court seeking urgent medical support and intervention for Wangchuk’s health during the ongoing protest. The concerns reflected a broader debate around the balance between an individual’s right to peaceful protest and the medical risks associated with prolonged fasting.
Despite appeals from supporters and well-wishers asking him to end the fast, Wangchuk said he believed withdrawing without addressing the concerns raised by protesters would weaken the purpose of the movement.
Why Wangchuk Started The Protest
Wangchuk joined the protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which began its agitation on June 20. He started his indefinite fast on June 28, joining protesters who have been raising concerns over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak controversy.
The protesters have demanded accountability from authorities and called for action over issues affecting students and examination systems. They have also sought compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following examination-related controversies.
Wangchuk, known for his work in education and sustainable development in Ladakh, has previously led campaigns highlighting concerns related to governance, environmental protection and public participation. His involvement has brought greater attention to the protest, with supporters viewing his fast as a symbolic effort to highlight issues affecting young people and students.
Responding to messages urging him to stop his hunger strike, Wangchuk questioned what would change if he ended the protest without any meaningful discussion.
“What will change if I break my fast?” he asked, according to reports, arguing that the focus should remain on resolving the concerns raised by protesters rather than only discussing his personal condition.
The planned July 20 march to Parliament is expected to coincide with the beginning of the Monsoon Session. Organisers have described it as a peaceful democratic demonstration aimed at drawing attention towards their demands.
Appeals For Dialogue And Resolution
As Wangchuk’s health became a concern, several political leaders and public personalities appealed to him to reconsider continuing the fast.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal were among those who expressed concern over his health and urged him to end the hunger strike.
Several members of the film and academic communities also called for dialogue between the government and protesters. Actors including Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah and Omi Vaidya, along with economist Jayati Ghosh and writer Arundhati Roy, were among public figures who expressed concern over the situation.
While supporters of the protest have argued that Wangchuk’s fast has brought attention to important issues around examination reforms and student concerns, some have questioned whether continuing an indefinite hunger strike could create additional health risks.
The government’s response to the protest and demands remains a key point of discussion. Protesters have been seeking greater engagement and accountability, while the situation continues to develop ahead of the planned Parliament march.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian believes that democratic societies progress when concerns are addressed through peaceful dialogue, empathy and meaningful engagement. Protests have historically played an important role in bringing public issues into focus, but protecting human life and ensuring constructive conversations remain equally important.
Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike has once again highlighted the power of peaceful expression and the need for institutions, citizens and leaders to listen to each other with patience and respect. At the same time, prolonged fasting raises serious questions about health, safety and the responsibility of all stakeholders involved.
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