Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike at Jantar Mantar entered its 18th day on Wednesday, 15 July amid deteriorating health concerns. Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) have been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) 2026 and other exams.
Wangchuk has been continuing strike despite growing demands from political and non political circles to end his fast. Among those who voiced their support for Wangchuk were actor Shreya Dhanwanthary who while expressing admiration for his peaceful form of rebellion, urged him to consider ending his fast. Actor Abhay Deol, too, shared a photograph of Wangchuk from the protest site on Instagram Tuesday, adding a broken-heart emoji. Another actor Rubina Dilaik also shared her views on the hunger strike and urged action. Rubina reposted Zeenat’s Instagram post on her Instagram Stories and wrote in the caption, “He is a real hero.
Don’t let him die fighting for our country’s own good.”
Singer Ravinder Singh, popularly known as Kaka, visited the protest site on Friday. He met Wangchuk, enquired about his health and interacted with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and others gathered at Jantar Mantar. The Punjabi singer also performed at the protest, singing lines that reflected the demonstrators’ distrust of the media.
“Taarif teri vich khabraan saariyaan jhootiyan likhda ae, ese karke aapa koi akhbaar nahi lende (All the news is filled with false praises of you, which is why none of us buy the newspaper),” he sang. Actress Swara Bhaskar also visited Jantar Mantar on Tuesday. Actor Prakash Raj was among the first to visit the protest venue. Raj met Wangchuk and interacted with the protesters. Sharing photographs from the site, Raj described his presence as an act of solidarity with young Indians demanding accountability. His visit added visibility to the protest as it continued to gather momentum online. Actor Atul Kulkarni addressed students directly through social media, encouraging young people to shape the country’s future with integrity and compassion.
The Rang De Bansanti actor’s message reflected the broader concern surrounding the state of India’s education system. Actor Omi Vaidya, best known for playing Chatur in 3 Idiots, also expressed concern, saying he “doesn’t want Sonam Wangchuk to die” and urged efforts to resolve the impasse. Naseeruddin Shah others issue joint statement On Monday, a group of prominent public figures, including actors Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, writer Arundhati Roy, economist Jayati Ghosh, and several academics, voiced support for Sonam Wangchuk amid his indefinite hunger strike. In a joint statement, these public figures urgied the Centre to engage in dialogue and appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast while criticising the government’s delay in responding to his demands. Quick answers to key questions
Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike is aimed at initiating a dialogue concerning paper leaks and irregularities in the NEET-UG and other competitive exams, which he believes significantly impact students’ futures. During his hunger strike, Sonam Wangchuk has reportedly lost 8.5 kg, experiencing muscle loss, and his health is deteriorating with concerning blood pressure and glucose levels. Public figures are urging the government to engage with Wangchuk to address his demands for accountability regarding the NEET-UG irregularities and to prevent further deterioration of his health due to the hunger strike.
If Sonam Wangchuk were to die from his hunger strike, it could result in significant national and international shame for India, highlighting the government’s neglect of serious educational issues. Yes, many believe the government should take immediate action by opening a dialogue with Wangchuk and addressing the issues he raises, as his health continues to decline amidst his protest.
Why hunger strike? Famously known as the inspiration behind the character of “Rancho”,” portrayed by Amir Khan in “3 Idiots”, Sonam Wangchuk today enters day 18 of a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, in collaboration with Abhijeet Dipke’s satirical “Cockroach Janta Party”. The strike, aimed at starting a dialogue on paper leaks and irregularities in the NEET-UG and various other competitive exams, has drawn widespread media attention and calls for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The government has remained silent on the matter, offering no comments or responses. Pressure to halt the strike is expected to rise as Wangchuk’s health continues to deteriorate, with a blood glucose of 67, a blood pressure of 107/70, and reportedly having lost 8.5 kg as per the organisers since June 28th, the starting date of the strike. In response to current statements and support, Wangchuk has stated, “Instead of asking me to end my hunger strike, ask the government why it refuses to listen”, indicating a clear intent to continue the strike until a dialogue regarding the subject of the papers is established. Get Latest real-time updates
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Home NewsSonam Wangchuk hunger strike: Abhay Deol, Swara Bhaskar, Shreya, others rally behind activist as calls grow to end fast
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