Health fears as Indian activist on hunger strike loses 8.2kg


In Delhi the world is watching as Sonam Wangchuk, a 59‑year‑old engineer and climate activist, drops more than 8 kilograms during a 16‑day hunger strike at the historic Jantar Mantar observatory.


Sonam Wangchuk on hunger strike
Sonam Wangchuk sits on a mattress in the protest area, his voice caught in the heat of 38C.

Health officials report his blood pressure at 107/70 and his glucose at 67, warning that continued fasting could be fatal. Supporters now appeal for his safety, urging him to end the fast, while he remains adamant that his protest must reach a logical conclusion.


The strike was launched on 29 June by Wangchuk after the government cancelled a key entrance exam for doctor aspirants following a paper leak. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demands the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reform of exam processes, a stance the party presents as a fight for accountability rather than a shift in cabinet seats.


Wangchuk has a notable public record: he invented the ice stupa to preserve winter meltwater for Ladakh farms, earning him the Ramon Magsaysay Prize and global media attention. He was briefly jailed last October on allegations of inciting protests—a charge that was later dropped.


The protest has attracted MPs, celebrities and millions of text‑messages urging him to end his fast. Police have stationed medical teams outside the site, but no senior BJP official has visited or opened dialogue with the organisers.


CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke beside Sonam
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke sits beside Wangchuk, expressing worries about his health.

The protest group plans to march to Parliament on 20 July, the start of the next session, hoping the government will finally engage. In the meantime, protests around Jantar Mantar continue day and night, with thousands gathering to support the activist’s cause.