New Delhi [India]: New Delhi [India]: The health of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike, has become a matter of serious concern.
Friday marks the twentieth day of hunger strike by engineer turned education reformer, Wangchuk.
Reason of protest:
Known for his innovation, education and protection of climate in Ladakh, Wangchuk began his fast on June 28 at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar by supporting the movement of Cockroach Janta party (an online youth movement) to protest against widespread irregularities in competitive examinations and to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The education reformer is seeking govt's action to reform India's education system.
Wangchuk's latest health update:
Doctors monitoring Wangchuk say he has lost nearly 9 kilograms, bringing his weight down to around 56 kilograms.
According to senior physician Dr. Satish Lamba, Wangchuk has also lost muscle mass, and his uric acid levels have increased, while his blood sugar and pulse remain within normal limits.
Doctors have warned that the next stage of prolonged fasting could be alarming if the hunger strike continues.
The issue has also reached the Delhi High Court, which has directed the government to monitor Wangchuk's health on a daily basis.
During the hearing, the court observed that every citizen's life is precious,
while the government assured the court that his health would be closely monitored.
Despite growing concerns, Wangchuk has made it clear that he will not end his hunger strike immediately.
In a recent video message, he said that ending the fast now would send the wrong message that the protest is not serious.
READ: Raghuram Rajan joins US Fed task force: Here's what it means
However, he added that his medical reports indicate that he can continue for some more time, and urged supporters to participate in a peaceful march to the parliament, instead of asking him to end his fast.
According to Wangchuk, the government must take concrete steps to address the issues raised by the movement if it wants the protest to end.
His key demands include comprehensive reforms in the education system, accountability for the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The spotlight is now on whether the centre responds to Wangchuk's demands and opens a dialogue to bring the prolonged hunger strike to an end.
Latest interaction with supporters:
On Friday, Wagchuk told his supporters that he will continue hunger strike as ending it without response from the Narendra Modi govt will send a wrong message about the intent of the protest.
He said, "I will stay alive by any means until July 20 so that I can march to Parliament with all of you. And if our march doesn't succeed on July 20, then I'll come back as a ghost."
READ: Why are ISRO scientists resigning? Here's full inside story
After the peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar, Wangchuk has announced a march towards the Parliament on July 20.
He said, "I am weak from the outside but very strong inside. I am sure all of you are strong from the inside, and outside too. We need this energy for July 20, when we will take out a peaceful march to Parliament. We will go together and present our plea in the temple of democracy."
Political response so far:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi who come to the power by targeting young voters in 2014 and in subsequent elections has taken any cognizance of the youth protest and hunger strike taking place just a few kilometer of his official residence.
Ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has alleged that the protesters are associates of the Aam Janta party. It is worth noting that Abhijit Dipke who is convenor of the CJP was earlier associated with the social media and election campaign team of AAP.
Opposition parties including Congress, AAP, TMC, SP and others have extended support by sending their leaders to the Jantar Mantar.
READ: Explained: If E20 fuel damages your vehicle, who pays?
Follow NewsEdition.in on X (Twitter), LinkedIn for more stories on Politics, World, Business and more.
Ends.
Comments (0)
Be the first to comment!