Sonam Wangchuk's Health Worsens as Hunger Strike Over Exam Irregularities Enters 15th Day
Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk's health deteriorated further on Sunday as his indefinite hunger strike over alleged examination irregularities entered the 15th day. Doctors reported a drop in his blood pressure to 104/66 mm Hg and a total weight loss of 7.8 kg since the fast began.
The protest, organised by a group demanding accountability in competitive examinations, entered its 23rd day at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. The group has been alleging irregularities in examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission and other bodies, which they claim have led to student suicides. They are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of affected students.
According to a health update shared by the organisers, Mr. Wangchuk's condition is being closely monitored by a medical team present at the protest site. Despite his weakening health, he continues to be a focal point of the agitation.
Several political leaders and public intellectuals are scheduled to visit the protest site to express solidarity. Former Kerala Ministers K.K. Shylaja, K.N. Balagopal, and P. Rajeev are expected to interact with the protesters, while Samajwadi Party MP Pushpendra Saroj is slated to address the gathering. The day's programme will conclude with a public lecture by economist Jayati Ghosh on 'The Economics of Unemployment,' focusing on the employment crisis and its impact on young people.
Separately, members of the All India Students' Association (AISA) – Neha, Manish, Deepak Kumar Verma, and Aameen – are continuing their own indefinite hunger strike at the protest site.
On Saturday, Mr. Wangchuk urged people not to look for heroes in others, saying he was 'just an ordinary citizen,' not a 'modern Gandhi' or a hero. 'Please don't look for a hero in someone else. Be the hero of your own life. Fulfil your responsibilities as a citizen,' he said in a video posted on social media. He also appealed to citizens to join a planned peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session, to urge Members of Parliament to address the issue of examination irregularities.
The protest began on June 20, with Mr. Wangchuk joining the agitation on June 28 and commencing his hunger strike that day. The organisers have stated that the march to Parliament will be a culmination of their peaceful protest, and they urge the government to take immediate action to prevent further loss of life.
