Sonam Wangchuk, a climate activist and education reform advocate, is at 20 days of his indefinite hunger strike, and doctors say he is at a critical stage of his health. Despite growing medical concerns, Wangchuk held on to a hopeful and light-hearted tone in a speech to supporters at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, telling supporters that he would be there to continue to march to Parliament on July 20.
Wangchuk told supporters at the protest site on Friday that he was physically weak and that his resolve was still strong.
> "I am weak from the outside, but very strong from the inside. And I hope you people are strong both inside and outside. We need strength for July 20. We will peacefully march towards the Parliament, hoping that the temple of democracy listens to us," he said.
And the activist also said he would still be able to go to the march because he is ill.
Wangchuk added, “I will stay alive by any means until July 20 so that I can march to Parliament with all of you.” Then he added with a smile that if the march didn’t succeed he would “come back as a ghost” and laughter came from the crowd.
Doctors Warn of Serious Health Risks
But Wangchuk remained optimistic, his medical team issued a new warning about the impact of the prolonged fast.
His attending physician, Dr. Satish Lamba, said the activist’s condition has deteriorated significantly after nearly three weeks without food. Wangchuk has now “lost more than nine kilograms” and his body weight is now “56.9 kilograms”.
Doctors are monitoring his health consistently and his vital signs are continuously monitored by medical personnel round the clock.
Dr. Lamba said Wangchuk had a blood sugar level of 80 mg/dL, a pulse rate of 72 beats per minute, and blood pressure of 105/61 mmHg when lying down and 101/65 mmHg when sitting.
If the hunger strike continues, Wangchuk could have “multi-organ complications,” the doctor warned, the next few days being especially critical.
Protest Over Education Reforms
Sonam Wangchuk started his indefinite hunger strike on June 28, as part of a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
Protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, following nationwide examination irregularities, especially the NEET paper leak controversy. Protesters have also called for fundamental changes (e.g., transparency, accountability, and fairness) in India's examination system.
I am confident that we are going to put together a strong movement that will not only bring people to the same place (and that the students are going to be there).
Parliament March Planned for July 20
Supporters are now preparing for a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, which Wangchuk says he hopes will encourage lawmakers to respond to the protesters' demands.
Doctors have advised him to be closely monitored and to attend as well as supporters who suggested direct talks that he and his friends could have.
Wangchuk's hunger strike is now into its twentieth day and his health and the outcome of the planned Parliament march are now the focus, which will be held in public and is peaceful in the hope of drawing attention to the demands of Wangchuk for education reform.
