Indian education reform activist and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk has urged supporters to focus on the movement rather than his deteriorating health as he entered the 19th day of a hunger strike in New Delhi, intensifying pressure on the government over examination reforms, youth unemployment and governance issues.
New Delhi, India – Web Desk: “Don’t save me, save the cause,” Wangchuk told journalists and supporters, according to filmmaker and author Natasha Badhwar, who visited the protest site at Jantar Mantar, one of India’s best-known venues for public demonstrations.
Supporters say Wangchuk’s health has deteriorated significantly after nearly three weeks without food.
“Sonam sir is not doing so well. His rib cage has started showing,” said Vijeta Dahiya, spokesperson for the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), the satirical political movement leading the protest.
Dahiya said the nearly 60-year-old activist has lost muscle mass and is experiencing dizziness due to New Delhi’s intense summer heat and humidity.
Wangchuk, internationally recognised for developing the Ice Stupa water conservation project and recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, joined the protest in support of students demanding accountability following the cancellation of India’s National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) after a major paper leak.
The CJP movement emerged in May 2026 after controversial remarks by Indian Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant, who reportedly compared unemployed youth to “cockroaches.” Since then, the campaign has expanded to highlight examination paper leaks, youth unemployment and governance concerns.
The protest began on June 20, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following the NEET examination scandal.
According to organisers, recurring examination paper leaks have damaged public confidence in India’s education system.
Dahiya claimed that, based on the group’s records, 22 students died by suicide following this year’s NEET paper leak, while adding that the cumulative number linked to similar incidents over previous years is higher.
Throughout the protest, dozens of participants have joined Wangchuk in rotating hunger strikes, while many supporters across India continue symbolic fasts from their homes.
Filmmaker Natasha Badhwar described the protest as a modern reflection of India’s long tradition of peaceful civil resistance inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.
She said the protest site has remained peaceful despite attracting thousands of visitors, volunteers, journalists and activists over nearly a month.
Organisers also stressed that maintaining non-violence remains their central principle.
“We’ve continuously appealed to everyone to remain peaceful and respectful, following the examples of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B.R. Ambedkar,” Dahiya said, adding that there have been no reported incidents of misconduct during the demonstrations.
Attention is now focused on July 20, when organisers plan to march from Jantar Mantar to India’s Parliament while lawmakers are in session.
Thousands of participants are expected to join the demonstration, although organisers say final attendance will only become clear when the march begins.
Despite the growing public support, organisers said no government representatives have formally engaged with the protesters.
While some observers have expressed concerns about possible tensions during the planned march, organisers insist the demonstration will remain entirely peaceful.
“There will be no violence or vandalism,” Dahiya said. “India will show the world that peaceful resistance can bring change.”
