Twenty days into a hunger strike, renowned education reformer and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who is protesting alleged irregularities and misconduct in the NEET exam at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, has released a highly emotional and sharp video address on Friday evening, despite his deteriorating health.
Health Status During Protest
He reported that approximately twenty percent of his body has been lost due to fasting, but his morale remains unwavering. In his video message, he shared his health status, stating: 'Yes, I am still alive. About 20% of my body is gone. After the fat tissue, muscles are now leaving. Then internal organs will follow, and finally the brain... but that hasn't happened yet. Today marks the 20th day, and I can prove that my brain is still functioning perfectly.'
Demands for Political Accountability
Addressing the nation directly, he posed a question: if governments can fall over onion prices, why cannot political accountability be established for the future and education of millions of children in the country? When activists asked him whether this protest would lead to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan or if any accountability would be established, Wangchuk referenced history. He asked: 'Does the Indian people love the lives and education of their children more than onions? Three times in India's history, governments have fallen due to the power of popular movements. The central government fell in 1980, and the governments of Delhi and Rajasthan fell in 1998. Back then, the movement was only because of onion prices. Here, we are talking about children's lives. More than 20 students have committed suicide over NEET issues this year. Shouldn't there be a resignation of the Education Minister over this?'
Call for March to Parliament
Wangchuk, who has been on hunger strike since June 28 under the aegis of the 'Collective Justice Program' (CJP), called on citizens to join the 'Chalo Sansad' (Go to Parliament) march scheduled for July 20. He emphasized: 'Join me in the march to parliament on July 20. Our real strength is your numbers. Who am I if I am just one hungry and insignificant person? You are the force that brought down governments over onions; we are simply demanding accountability for the students.'
