Sonam Wangchuk's Health Critically Declines Amidst Education Reform Protests

Climate activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk is in life-threatening condition on the 45th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Medical reports confirm he has lost over 9 kilograms, and his body is now consuming muscle tissue, posing a severe risk of organ failure. The Delhi High Court has officially intervened, ordering daily medical supervision to ensure his survival while acknowledging his physical deterioration. The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has also passed a resolution to provide legal and research support for his cause.

Wangchuk began his fast on June 28, 2026, protesting systemic irregularities in national recruitment exams, specifically the NEET paper leak that impacted two million students. The movement gained traction through the 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP), founded by Abhijeet Dipke, which adopted a derogatory term used by the Chief Justice for unemployed youth as a symbol of resistance. Protesters argue that the current education system exploits students with high-stakes testing instead of fostering genuine learning, while demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The protest has become a focal point of opposition, with Rahul Gandhi leading the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' student outreach campaign to highlight government negligence. Despite the ruling party's silence, organizers are planning a massive march on Parliament during the upcoming Monsoon session. The movement has intensified as local administrative hurdles, such as the cancellation of rally permits, fail to dampen student sentiment. Future developments depend on whether the government initiates a formal dialogue to address institutional integrity or continues to dismiss the movement as a political distraction.