Sonam Wangchuk’s Health Declines During Day 15 of Hunger Strike

Climate activist, engineer, and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has completed 15 days of an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, with doctors and supporters expressing growing concern over his health. Wangchuk is protesting over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, while also calling for broader reforms in India’s examination system. Recent health updates indicate that his condition has weakened significantly as the fast continues.

Why Is Sonam Wangchuk on Hunger Strike?

Wangchuk began his indefinite fast on June 28, 2026, in support of a protest demanding greater accountability in national examinations.

The key demands include:

• A transparent investigation into alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and exam irregularities.
• Stronger safeguards to ensure fairness in competitive examinations.
• Greater accountability from authorities responsible for conducting national-level entrance exams.
• Wider reforms aimed at restoring public confidence in India’s examination system.

Health Update: What Doctors Have Reported

According to updates shared by supporters and medical teams monitoring him:

• Wangchuk has lost around 7.8 kg since beginning the fast.
• His blood pressure has reportedly dropped to 104/66 mm Hg.
• Supporters say he appears visibly weak, with increasing fatigue after two weeks without food.

Medical professionals are continuing to monitor his condition closely as concerns grow over the prolonged fast.

Wangchuk Addresses Supporters

Despite his deteriorating health, Wangchuk has continued to address supporters through recorded messages.

Rejecting comparisons to Mahatma Gandhi, he urged people not to depend on a single individual for change, saying they should become their own heroes and actively participate in strengthening democratic institutions.

Calls for Government Response

Civil society groups supporting the protest have appealed to the Central Government to engage with Wangchuk’s demands before his health worsens further.

Supporters have described the situation as increasingly serious and have urged authorities to initiate dialogue on the issues raised during the protest.

Growing Public Attention

The hunger strike has attracted attention from:

• Students preparing for competitive examinations.
• Education reform advocates.
• Civil society organizations.
• Citizens concerned about transparency in public examinations.

Videos and photographs showing Wangchuk’s physical condition have circulated widely on social media, drawing renewed focus to the protest.

Who Is Sonam Wangchuk?

Sonam Wangchuk is an engineer, innovator, education reformer, and environmental activist from Ladakh. He is widely known for founding the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) and for developing the Ice Stupa project, an innovative solution for water conservation in high-altitude regions.

He has also received international recognition for his work in sustainable education and environmental conservation.

Current Situation

As of the latest updates:

• Wangchuk remains on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.
• Medical monitoring is ongoing due to concerns over his declining health.
• There has been no official announcement indicating that the protest has ended.

Conclusion

Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike has entered a critical phase, with his reported weight loss and declining health intensifying calls for dialogue. While supporters continue to back his demands for greater transparency and accountability in India’s examination system, medical concerns have become increasingly prominent as the fast extends beyond two weeks.

Whether the protest results in policy discussions or official action remains to be seen, but Wangchuk’s condition continues to draw nationwide attention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Sonam Wangchuk on a hunger strike?

He is protesting over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, and is demanding greater transparency and reforms in the examination system.

2. How long has Sonam Wangchuk been fasting?

According to the latest reports, his indefinite hunger strike has entered Day 15.

3. What is Sonam Wangchuk’s latest health update?

Supporters report that he has lost approximately 7.8 kg, his blood pressure has dropped, and he appears visibly weak while remaining under medical observation.

4. Where is Sonam Wangchuk’s protest taking place?

The hunger strike is being held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

5. Has Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike?

No. As per the latest available reports, he continues his indefinite fast.

6. Who is Sonam Wangchuk?

Sonam Wangchuk is a renowned Indian engineer, education reformer, environmental activist, and founder of SECMOL, recognized internationally for his work in sustainable education and climate innovation.