Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk is leading an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan [1, 2].
The protest centers on alleged irregularities and paper leaks regarding the NEET-UG examination. Wangchuk is seeking to hold the government accountable by forcing the ouster of the minister overseeing the education portfolio [1, 3].
The strike has lasted several weeks, reaching its 15th day on July 4 [4]. By July 10, reports indicated the protest had entered its 21st day [5].
Wangchuk's physical health has fluctuated during the fast. Three days after the strike began, he had lost two kg [6]. By the 15th day, reports indicated a weight loss of five kg [4], which increased to six kg by the 16th day [2].
Supporters have expressed concern as the fast progressed. On July 4, associates said that Wangchuk's health was worsening [4]. However, by the 21st day of the protest, Wangchuk said that his hunger had stabilised [5].
Wangchuk has also warned against any attempts to forcibly remove him from the protest site at Jantar Mantar [5]. The demonstration continues as an indefinite action until the demands for ministerial accountability are met [3].
“Sonam Wangchuk is leading an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar”
This protest highlights the intersection of educational integrity and political accountability in India. By targeting the Education Minister specifically over the NEET-UG irregularities, Wangchuk is attempting to transform a systemic administrative failure into a political consequence, using the high-visibility nature of a hunger strike to maintain public pressure on the central government.
