Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike prompts health monitoring and nationwide calls to end fast

Education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike on June 28 at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET exam paper leaks and broader examination irregularities. Over the ensuing weeks his health has deteriorated sharply, with weight loss of more than 9 kg and medical bulletins reporting low blood pressure, low blood sugar and muscle weakness.

The Delhi High Court intervened on July 16, ordering daily medical examinations by government doctors and stating that every human life is precious. The court’s order does not address the protest’s merits but mandates regular health checks while the fast continues.

The protest has drawn extensive political and cultural attention. Leaders including Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and other opposition figures have publicly urged Wangchuk to break his fast. More than 1,800 civil‑society members, artists and academics – such as Naseeruddin Shah, Arundhati Roy, Ratna Pathak Shah and Jean Drèze – signed an open letter appealing for an end to the hunger strike to preserve his health. Celebrities from the film industry, including Anurag Kashyap and Omi Vaidya, have also voiced support.

Wangchuk has announced that instead of ending the strike he will call for a mass march to Parliament on July 20, urging supporters to join the demonstration rather than pressuring him to stop fasting.