Sonam Wangchuk, that quiet but savagely determined climate activist and educator from Ladakh, is on his 20th day of an indefinite hunger strike. And the crowd around him? It’s not shrinking – it’s swelling with voices from across the opposition, students, farmers, and ordinary folks who are fed up with the mess in our education system.
Wangchuk started this fast on June 28, joining the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest led by Abhijeet Dipke. The core demand is straightforward and heavy: the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the repeated scandals – NEET paper leaks, irregularities in exams that have shattered the dreams of lakhs of students and their families. It’s not just about one man stepping down; it’s about accountability in a system that feels broken for so many young people chasing a fair shot at their future.
Wangchuk isn’t some distant figure. He’s the guy who built innovative schools in the harsh Himalayas, fought for Ladakh’s environment and statehood demands, and won global respect for his work. Now, at 59, he’s sitting there day after day with just water, looking frailer but speaking with that same inner fire. Doctors say he’s lost around 9 kg, his blood pressure is low, sugar levels dipping, and he gets weak even walking or talking sometimes. Yet, in his words captured on video, he says he’s “weak from outside but very strong from inside.” He’s vowed to continue at least till July 20, when they plan a big march to Parliament as the Monsoon Session begins. “I will stay alive till July 20 at any cost,” he’s told supporters.
Congress MP Pawan Khera visited, checked on Wangchuk’s health, and stood in solidarity. Shiv Sena’s Sushma Andhare came too. Arvind Kejriwal from AAP unhand by, censure the government, and the energy lifted. Farmer leaders like Rakesh Tikait and Gurnam Singh Charuni have thrown their weight behind it, linking it to bigger fights for magistrate. Even celebrities and student groups like AISA have joined or appealed. It feels like a slow-building wave – not chaotic, but determined and peaceful.
The Delhi High Court has stepped in too, ordering regular medical monitoring by the governments. That shows the seriousness – no one wants to see a respected voice like Wangchuk’s health collapse beyond repair. His wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, overtake recently, and the emotional moment was captured on cameras. Supporters are urging him to end the fast, but he’s holding firm, saying backing down now would send the wrong message to those in power.
India’s youth are under insane pressure. Coaching centers, cut-throat competition, paper leaks that steal futures – it’s exhausting to watch. The CJP started as a satirical online movement but has turned into this groundswell at Jantar Mantar. Hundreds gather daily, even in the scorching heat. There are calls for repealing NEP 2020 aspects, scrapping the National Testing Agency’s current form, compensation for affected students, and broader reforms. Wangchuk also ties in Ladakh’s pending issues – he’s been negotiating with the Centre for a while without much movement.
People are doing one-day solidarity fasts, singing, sharing stories. Abhijeet Dipke and the team keep the momentum going, thanking visitors and keeping the focus sharp. No major government response yet, which is frustrating a lot of folks. Silence from the top feels loud.
As a nation, we’ve seen hunger strikes before – they’re a Gandhian tool, powerful but risky. Wangchuk knows the stakes. He’s said he’s sad to sit on a fast again and might even die but won’t step back. That kind of commitment makes you pause. Is the system listening? Will July 20 bring real dialogue or more standoff?
For now, the protest lives on. Students, parents, activists – they’re all watching. If you’re in Delhi, maybe drop by if you can. If not, share the word, amplify the call for accountability. The coming days will be critical. Health updates, the Parliament march, and whether more voices join. Stay tuned, stay empathetic. This isn’t just politics – it’s about the soul of education and democracy in our country.
Sources:
- The Hindu (live updates and videos)
- BBC News reports on health and protest
- Live Mint and NDTV coverage
- YouTube live streams from Asianet, CNBC TV18, and others
- Statements from CJP and opposition leaders via X and news portals
- Delhi High Court orders reported across outlets.
