Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has lost up to 8.5 kg during an indefinite hunger strike in Delhi's Jantar Mantar [1, 2].
The protest targets the integrity of India's medical entrance exams. Wangchuk is demanding the resignation of the education minister following allegations that the NEET UG 2026 examination papers were leaked [2, 3].
Health bulletins released on Monday indicate a significant decline in Wangchuk's physical condition. While reports on his weight loss vary, figures range from eight kg [4] to 8.5 kg [2]. A spokesperson for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) said Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kg and his blood sugar levels have repeatedly fallen below 70 mg/dL [3].
One specific medical report noted a blood glucose level of 67 mg/dL, which is below the normal fasting level of 100 mg/dL [3]. These declining vitals have raised urgent concerns among his supporters. Abhijeet Dipke said that life is now at stake [3].
The hunger strike has reached its 17th day [2, 5], though some reports previously cited the 16th day [3]. Despite the physical toll, Wangchuk has remained committed to his demands. "I'm weak from the outside, but I'm strong from inside," Wangchuk said [6].
Wangchuk, an internationally acclaimed educator, has used the platform at Jantar Mantar to draw attention to systemic issues within the national testing framework. The protest continues as his health fluctuates, with medical teams monitoring his low blood-sugar levels and rapid weight loss [2, 3].
“"I'm weak from the outside, but I'm strong from inside."”
The deteriorating health of a high-profile figure like Sonam Wangchuk increases the political pressure on the Indian government to address the NEET UG 2026 leak allegations. By linking his physical wellbeing to the demand for the education minister's resignation, Wangchuk is transforming a policy dispute into a high-stakes humanitarian crisis, forcing the administration to either concede or risk the fallout of a protester's medical collapse.
