Growing Concern Over Wangchuk’s Health
As educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk entered the 17th day of his indefinite hunger strike, appeals poured in from politicians, authors, actors and academics across the country urging him to call off the fast amid mounting concerns over his health.
Wangchuk has been observing the fast at Jantar Mantar since June 28, joining a protest seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
Supporters of the movement have continued to back its demands but say Wangchuk’s health should not be put at further risk.
Health Parameters Raise Alarm
According to organisers of the protest, Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kilograms since beginning his fast.
They said his latest medical examination recorded a blood pressure of 107/70 mmHg and a blood glucose level of 67 mg/dL, while organisers also claimed he has started losing muscle mass and is experiencing severe physical discomfort.
Despite repeated requests to end the fast, Wangchuk has reportedly maintained that the government should initiate dialogue with the protesters instead.
Mahua Moitra Urges Wangchuk to Protect His Life
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra appealed to Wangchuk to discontinue the hunger strike, saying the movement had already succeeded in mobilising young people across the country.
In a post on X, she wrote: “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.”
Leaders, Writers and Actors Join Appeal
According to protest organisers, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray also conveyed concern over Wangchuk’s worsening condition and appealed to him to end the fast.
Actor Omi Vaidya, remembered for playing Chatur in 3 Idiots, also extended his support, saying he hoped Wangchuk would recover soon. The film’s character Phunsukh Wangdu was inspired by Wangchuk.
Meanwhile, a joint statement signed by several prominent personalities, including Arundhati Roy, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, economist Jayati Ghosh, filmmaker Sanjay Kak and other academics and activists, urged Wangchuk and fellow protesters to conserve their strength for the longer struggle ahead.
The signatories praised the movement while requesting the fasting protesters to end their indefinite fast, saying the campaign would require sustained leadership in the months ahead.
Student Activist Hospitalised
The appeal also came after All India Students’ Association (AISA) activist Deepak, who had also been on a hunger strike, was admitted to Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital following a decline in his health.
Despite growing concern over the health of the protesters, organisers have announced that the agitation will continue, with a planned march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the start of the Monsoon Session.
Q1. Why is Sonam Wangchuk on a hunger strike?
He is supporting a protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET examination irregularities.
Q2. How long has Wangchuk been fasting?
His indefinite hunger strike entered Day 17.
Q3. What is his current health condition?
According to organisers, he has lost 8.2 kg and his blood pressure and blood glucose levels have declined, raising health concerns.
Q4. Who has appealed to Wangchuk to end the fast?
Mahua Moitra, Uddhav Thackeray, Arundhati Roy, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah and several other public figures have urged him to prioritise his health.
Q5. What is planned next in the protest?
Organisers have announced a march to Parliament on July 20, despite growing concern over the health of those on hunger strike.
