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Sonam Wangchuk Ends 23-Day Hunger Strike After JP Nadda Meets Protesters; Education Reform Movement to Continue
After weeks of protests and growing concerns over his health, activist Sonam Wangchuk calls off his fast following Union Minister JP Nadda’s intervention, while fellow protester Abhijeet Dipke also ends his hunger strike with a renewed call for education reforms.
Sonam Wangchuk Ends Fast After Key Meeting With JP Nadda
New Delhi: After 23 days of continuous fasting, noted education reform advocate and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike on Monday, marking a significant development in the ongoing protest demanding reforms in India’s education system.
The decision came after Union Minister JP Nadda met with the protesters, opening the door for further discussions on the concerns raised by the movement. The meeting was seen as a positive step towards dialogue after weeks of uncertainty and public attention.
Wangchuk’s hunger strike had become a symbol of peaceful resistance, drawing support from students, educators and civil society groups across the country. His protest highlighted the need for meaningful conversations around education policies and student welfare.
Health Concerns Prompted Hospitalisation
The veteran activist had been admitted to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18 after doctors expressed serious concerns over his deteriorating health. Medical reports indicated that he was suffering from dehydration, low potassium levels and elevated ketone levels, conditions that required immediate medical supervision.
Despite being shifted to the hospital, Wangchuk remained committed to his cause and continued to inspire supporters who gathered in solidarity throughout the protest period.
In another important development, Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), also ended his indefinite hunger strike on Monday.
Abhijeet Dipke Also Ends Indefinite Fast
Dipke had launched his protest on July 18, shortly after Wangchuk’s hospitalisation. His fast was linked to demands for education reforms and was also influenced by the tragic death of a NEET aspirant, who allegedly died by suicide.
According to those associated with the protest, Dipke decided to end his fast after an emotional appeal from Wangchuk and persuasion from the grieving father of the deceased student.
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Movement Will Continue Beyond Hunger Strike
Although both leaders have ended their fasts, they made it clear that the larger campaign for education reform is far from over.
Dipke stated that ending the hunger strike should not be seen as the end of the movement. Instead, he said the focus would now shift towards sustained public engagement and dialogue with policymakers to push for meaningful reforms in the education sector.
Supporters believe the protests have already succeeded in bringing national attention to issues affecting students, including examination-related stress, transparency in competitive exams and the need for policy improvements.
A New Phase of the Campaign
The conclusion of the hunger strikes signals the beginning of a new chapter rather than the end of the campaign. With the government initiating dialogue and protest leaders stepping back from their fasts, attention is now likely to shift toward concrete policy discussions.
Observers say the coming weeks will determine whether the assurances given during the meeting translate into meaningful action. For now, both Sonam Wangchuk and Abhijeet Dipke have reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing reforms through peaceful and democratic means.
