Indian activist on hunger strike at 'cockroach' protest loses 8.2kg
The environmental activist has been sitting on a hunger strike for 16 days and is getting visibly weaker.
Indian activist on hunger strike at 'cockroach' protest loses 8.2kg
Sonam Wangchuk, 59, has been on a hunger strike for over two weeks.
"I'm weak from the outside, but I'm strong from inside." This was the statement made by a visibly frail Sonam Wangchuk, who has been protesting in Delhi for the last 16 days, during an interview with the BBC on Monday.
The latest health update released on Monday morning indicated that Wangchuk "has lost 8.2kg [18lb], his blood pressure is 107 over 70, and his sugar levels have dropped to 67."
His declining health has raised significant concerns among his supporters, with thousands urging him to end his fast. However, Wangchuk, 59, remains resolute. "I have to take what I've begun to its logical conclusion," he stated.
The protest, taking place at Jantar Mantar—an 18th-century astronomical observatory and a prominent protest venue in the capital—was initiated by an online satirical group known as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is advocating for educational reforms in India.
Led by founder Abhijeet Dipke, the CJP's primary demand is the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, following the cancellation of a crucial entrance exam for aspiring doctors in early May due to a paper leak. The protesters argue that Pradhan must accept moral responsibility for the incident and resign. Pradhan has refused to step down, labeling the CJP and its supporters as "the B-team of disruptive elements" who "lack faith in the country's progress."
Wangchuk, an engineer, respected educator, and climate activist from the remote Himalayan region of Ladakh, joined the protest on June 29 and initiated an indefinite hunger strike. He identifies as a follower of Mahatma Gandhi, believing in his philosophy of non-violent protest and using hunger strikes to awaken the government's conscience.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke expressed concern over Wangchuk's deteriorating health.
Widely known as "Sonam sir," Wangchuk is a prominent figure in Ladakh and has gained national recognition for his work. A trained mechanical engineer, he has focused on strategies to help Ladakh adapt to climate change. He is particularly noted for creating the "ice stupa," an artificial glacier that stores water during winter and releases it in late spring, benefiting farmers.
His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018, often regarded as Asia's highest honor. He also inspired the character in the 2009 blockbuster film "Three Idiots" and appeared as a celebrity guest on "Kaun Banega Crorepati," the Indian version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," hosted by Amitabh Bachchan in 2017.
Last October, Wangchuk was arrested, with the government accusing him of inciting protests, a claim he denied. He spent 170 days in prison before the authorities dropped the charges and released him.
Despite the sweltering summer heat—Monday's temperature reached 38°C, feeling like 46°C—hundreds have been gathering at Jantar Mantar day and night to show support for the CJP and Wangchuk. Students and activists from across India have come together at Jantar Mantar, all advocating for reforms in the education system.
"Today marks the 16th day of his hunger strike, and his blood sugar and blood pressure have decreased. He feels very dizzy whenever he tries to sit or stand," Dipke informed the BBC. "He's struggling to even walk to the washroom. He's in considerable pain, but whenever I suggest he end his hunger strike, he scolds me, saying, 'Don't you worry about me.'"
Dipke mentioned that doctors have advised Wangchuk against continuing the fast due to serious health concerns. He also noted that he has been receiving thousands of messages daily urging him to convince Wangchuk to end his fast.
"But he remains determined to continue. He has told me that he won't stop until the government ensures accountability in the education system."
At Jantar Mantar, calls for Wangchuk to end his fast are growing louder, with many attendees expressing their worries about his declining health.
Among those who came to see "Sonam sir" is Animesh Sahu, a 29-year-old engineer from Hyderabad. "I've grown up watching his videos, and I feel a strong emotional connection with him. I'm very concerned about his health. The government must pay attention to him," Sahu stated.
Farmer Satyaprakash Bharadwaj described Wangchuk as "a diamond" who is "willing to sacrifice his life" for future generations. "I'm praying that he will end his hunger strike. He can only fight for our children when he is strong," he said.
Educationist Prof. Nand