Key facts
- Activist Sonam Wangchuk has lost 8.2kg during a hunger strike protest in Delhi.
- Wangchuk has been on strike for 16 days, citing concerns over India's education system.
- The protest, initiated by the Cockroach Janta Party, demands the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- The demand follows the cancellation of a key medical entrance exam due to a paper leak.
- Wangchuk, an engineer and educator from Ladakh, is using non-violent protest methods inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.
Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent Indian activist and educator, has lost 8.2kg (18lb) during his hunger strike protest in Delhi, now in its 16th day. His health is deteriorating, with blood pressure at 107/70 and sugar levels dropping to 67, causing alarm among supporters. Despite appeals to end his fast, Wangchuk remains determined, stating he must see his protest through.
The demonstration at Jantar Mantar, a historic protest site, was initiated by the satirical movement 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP), led by founder Abhijeet Dipke. Their primary demand is the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who they hold morally responsible for a recent paper leak in a key medical entrance exam. Pradhan has dismissed the protesters as disruptive elements.
Wangchuk, an engineer and climate activist from Ladakh, joined the protest on June 29 and began his indefinite hunger strike. He draws inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance. Wangchuk is a well-known public figure, recognized for developing the 'ice stupa' technology to aid Ladakh's water storage and for being the inspiration behind the Bollywood film 'Three Idiots'. He previously spent 170 days in prison last year on charges he denied.
Despite soaring summer temperatures, hundreds have gathered at Jantar Mantar to show solidarity. Dipke expressed deep concern over Wangchuk's health, noting his dizziness and difficulty walking. Doctors have advised Wangchuk to stop fasting due to serious health risks. Wangchuk, however, insists he will not stop until accountability is fixed within the education system.
Many political figures, activists, and influencers have visited the protest site, but no one from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has engaged with the protesters. Frustrated by the government's lack of dialogue, the CJP announced plans to march to the Indian parliament on July 20, the opening day of the next session, to present their demands directly.