Key facts
- Educationist and activist Sonam Wangchuk is on day 19 of his hunger strike.
- Wangchuk has lost 9.1kg and is reportedly in immense pain.
- A petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court requesting urgent medical intervention.
- Protesters are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following a paper leak.
- Wangchuk, known for inspiring the film 'Three Idiots', has refused to end his fast.
Calls are mounting for Indian educationist and activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike as his health deteriorates significantly. The 59-year-old has been on a liquid-only diet for 19 days, losing 9.1kg and experiencing severe pain, prompting concerns he may not survive much longer.
A petition filed in the Delhi High Court seeks urgent intervention to provide medical aid, with fears he could die within two days if no action is taken. Wangchuk is protesting in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding educational reforms, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over a recent exam paper leak.
Wangchuk, a renowned figure in India and winner of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, was the inspiration for the Bollywood film 'Three Idiots'. His worsening condition has alarmed supporters, leading to appeals from opposition leaders, artists, writers, and academics for him to break his fast. Despite these pleas, Wangchuk has stated his intention to continue the strike to its conclusion.
Meanwhile, the government has not engaged with the protesters, who have also announced plans for a march to parliament. Several other individuals, including members of student organizations, are participating in hunger strikes alongside Wangchuk, with one already hospitalized due to deteriorating health.