New Delhi, July 14 (UNI) As education reform activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered its 17th day on Tuesday, a growing chorus of political leaders, public figures, academics and activists appealed to him to end his fast, expressing concern over his declining health while urging him to continue his campaign through other means.
Wangchuk, 59, has emerged as the face of the protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, where demonstrators are demanding the resignation of union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities linked to the NEET examination. He joined the protest on June 28 and began his indefinite fast as part of the agitation.
According to the CJP, Wangchuk has lost around 8.2 kilograms since beginning his fast. “Sonam Wangchuk has started losing muscle mass and is in immense pain. Like everyone else, I begged him to end his fast. He calmly replied, ‘Don’t ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they won’t even have a dialogue,'” Dipke posted on social media.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav was among those who appealed to Wangchuk to withdraw his fast, describing his life as valuable to society and the causes he represents. “We humbly request and earnestly appeal to Shri Sonam Wangchuk ji to break his fast. His life is invaluable to the entire world because it embodies the same commitment to humanity and the environment as it does to democracy,” Yadav said in a post on X.
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra also urged Wangchuk to end his hunger strike. “Sonam Sir, your fast has united this country’s youth in their war for justice. Your goal is reached. The government doesn’t care about your life or that of crores of youth. But your life matters to us. Please call off the fast and continue the fight,” Moitra wrote on X.
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray also expressed concern over Wangchuk’s health and appealed to him to end his fast.
Actor Omi Vaidya, known for portraying the character Chatur in the film 3 Idiots, shared a video message expressing concern for Wangchuk, whose work inspired the character of Phunsukh Wangdu in the movie. “I don’t want Phunsukh Wangdu to die,” Vaidya said, urging people to stand by Wangchuk while expressing concern over his health.
