On Day 21, educator and climate activist Sonam WangchukHis indefinite hunger strike took an unexpected turn when police took him away from the Jantar Mantar protest site in New Delhi and rushed him to Safdarjung Hospital. This move caused a strong response from the film industry, Vishal Dadarani and Prakash Raj These include those who support Wangchuck and question the authorities’ actions. delhi policeHowever, he maintained that the hospitalization was based on medical advice and the directions of the Delhi High Court, citing concerns over his deteriorating health condition.
Sonam Wangchuk vows to continue fast action, calls for July 20
The situation at the protest site became tense after CJP member Abhijeet Dipke said police took him away by force and took action against the protesters. A day earlier, Wangchuk said he had lost nearly 20 percent of his weight but would not stop fasting until his demands were met. After 20 days of fasting, Wangchuck released a video calling on people across the country to participate in the People’s Party’s “Chalo Sansad” march on July 20. He called it a peaceful movement and said its success would depend on how many people came out and marched to parliament in support of the students.
Vishal Dadlani angry over Sonam Wangchuck’s removal
In response to the development, singer Vishal Dadlani posted a video on social media venting his anger over Wangchuk being removed from the protest site. He said, “Dekhi hain kabhi aapne aisi kayarta? Sonam ji ko hard utha ke le gaye hain. Iss desh ka joh yeh log kar rahe hain, this…this breaks my heart. Just desh walon, kab jaagoge? Ab nahi jaagoge toh kab jaagoge? I don’t know what to say I just hope I can help him in some way.”
Prakash Raj calls government’s actions a ‘disgrace’
Prakash Raj also reacted sharply, sharing a screenshot of the incident on X. He wrote, “The world is witnessing a cowardly government that doesn’t want to engage in dialogue with young people but wants to act like a dictator. Forcibly removing @Wangchuk66 and disrupting peaceful student protests is a sign of fear. What a shame #justasking.” In a follow-up post, he added, “Parde ke peeche kya hai Chappaninch ka Dara hua Nangapan (Behind the curtain is a ‘fifty-six-inch’ boobs frightened nude) Behind the curtain is a 56-inch trembling nude #justasking.“
Sonam Wangchuk’s health deteriorates during third week of fast
Sonam Wangchuk, an education reformer from Ladakh, has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar since June 28, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET-UG question paper leaks and other exam-related irregularities, in a protest organized jointly with the Cockroach Jana Party (CJP). The demonstrations have also brought renewed attention to student suicides and growing anger over the exam controversy. Now in its third week, the fast has raised serious concerns about Wangchuck’s health: He has reportedly lost nearly 9 kilograms and continues to be closely monitored by doctors. Although his electrocardiogram remained normal, he admitted that the prolonged fasting had taken a toll on his energy, leaving visible signs of muscle loss.
Sonam Wangchuk refuses to finish game quickly despite fitness concerns
Despite calls from doctors and supporters to end the fast, Wangchuck has persisted. Rather than canceling the protests, he urged people across the country to take part in peaceful “Chalo Sansad” marches on July 20, stressing that the success of the movement depends on the support of ordinary citizens.
Film industry rallies in support of Sonam Wangchuck
Many people in the film industry supported Wangchuck’s decision. Actors and filmmakers like Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Zeenat Aman, Shabana Azmi, Sonakshi SinhaVijay Varma, Abhay Deol, Anurag Kashyap, Omi Vaidya, Sayaji Shinde, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Swara Bhasker, Hrithik Roshan and Prakash Raj publicly expressed their support for Wangchuck and his protests.