Climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk has entered the 20th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, with doctors warning that his prolonged fast has reached a critical stage and could soon begin affecting his vital organs. The alarming medical assessment has intensified calls from political leaders, legal bodies, celebrities and supporters urging him to end the fast, even as Wangchuk remains determined to continue until the government responds to his demands.
The activist joined the ongoing protest against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak controversy, and has refused to call off his fast despite growing concerns over his deteriorating health. His protest has now become one of the longest high-profile hunger strikes in recent years, drawing nationwide attention.
Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike Reaches Critical Stage
Medical experts monitoring Wangchuk said his body has entered a dangerous phase of prolonged fasting. According to the latest medical bulletin, he has lost more than nine kilograms since beginning the hunger strike on June 28 and now weighs just 56.9 kilograms.
Doctors explained that after exhausting glucose reserves, the human body begins consuming stored fat before breaking down muscle tissue for energy. Medical examinations revealed elevated ketone levels and increased uric acid, indicating that the body has already started using muscle tissue as a source of fuel.
Doctors warned that if the fasting continues, the next stage could involve damage to vital organs, significantly increasing the health risks. Although Wangchuk remains under constant medical supervision and regular hydration is being maintained, physicians stressed that immediate intervention may become necessary if his condition worsens further.
Delhi High Court Orders Daily Medical Monitoring
The seriousness of Wangchuk’s health prompted intervention by the Delhi High Court, which heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking urgent medical attention for the activist.
The court directed authorities to conduct daily health monitoring and ensure that appropriate medical assistance is provided whenever required. Observing that every citizen’s life is precious, the bench said all necessary efforts should be made to protect Wangchuk’s health.
Appearing before the court, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that both the Centre and the Delhi government had no objection to regular medical examinations and assured full cooperation in monitoring his condition.
The court’s intervention has added another layer of pressure on authorities as concerns continue to grow over the activist’s health.
Supporters Urge Government to Respond
Despite repeated appeals, Sonam Wangchuk has made it clear that he will not end his fast without a meaningful response from the government.
In a recent video message, he rejected suggestions that he should withdraw the protest, saying doing so without achieving any progress would weaken the larger movement demanding accountability in the education system.
Wangchuk acknowledged feeling physically weak but maintained that his determination remained strong. He urged students across the country to view the protest as a lesson in democracy and civic participation while encouraging supporters to join the planned Parliament march scheduled for July 20.
Meanwhile, support for the agitation has continued to expand. Political leaders, including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, legal associations, economists, authors, actors and musicians have all expressed concern over Wangchuk’s deteriorating condition and appealed to the government to engage in dialogue before the situation becomes irreversible.
The Supreme Court Bar Association also urged the activist to preserve his health, stating that the country needs his voice and leadership rather than risking his life through prolonged fasting.
Growing Public Support Ahead of Parliament March
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been leading the protest demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over examination irregularities, said public participation continues to increase.
According to organisers, nearly 1.5 lakh people have already registered to participate in the proposed Parliament march on July 20.
At the protest site, students, parents and supporters continue to gather daily, expressing solidarity with Wangchuk despite visible signs of his declining health. Videos circulating online show the activist struggling to walk without assistance, reinforcing doctors’ warnings about the physical toll of the prolonged fast.
With medical experts cautioning that organ damage may soon become a reality, the coming days are likely to prove decisive. Whether negotiations begin or the hunger strike continues, Sonam Wangchuk’s protest has become one of the most closely watched public movements in the country, placing both his health and the government’s response under intense national scrutiny.
