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‘I Will Stay Alive Till July 20 at Any Cost…’: Sonam Wangchuk Loses 9.5 Kg on 20th Day of Hunger Strike
The education reformer and climate activist continues his indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar despite doctors warning of deteriorating health, ahead of a planned march to Parliament on July 20.
Education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has completed 20 days of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, with his medical team confirming that he has now lost 9.5 kilograms since beginning the fast on June 28.
Despite concerns over his health, Wangchuk has vowed to continue the protest and declared that he would “stay alive till July 20 at any cost,” the day when the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) plans to hold a peaceful march to Parliament coinciding with the start of the Monsoon Session.
Doctors report continued weight loss
According to the latest medical bulletin released on Friday, Wangchuk’s weight has dropped to 56.55 kg, a decrease of 350 grams in the last 24 hours.
Doctors also recorded the following health parameters:
- Weight: 56.55 kg
- Blood Pressure: 108/68 mm Hg
- Blood Sugar: 80 mg/dL
- Pulse Rate: 72 beats per minute
- Oxygen Saturation (SpO2): 96%
The medical team said Wangchuk remains mentally alert but is showing signs of mild dehydration following the prolonged fast.
Presenting the health update, Dr. Satish Lamba said the activist’s hydration was fair, though mild dehydration had been observed.
A day earlier, doctors had reportedly warned that Wangchuk’s condition had entered a critical phase, cautioning that continued fasting could significantly increase health risks.
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‘We will present our plea in the temple of democracy’
Addressing supporters gathered at Jantar Mantar, Wangchuk acknowledged his physical weakness but said his determination remained unshaken.”I am weak from the outside but very strong inside. We need this energy for July 20, when we will take out a peaceful march to Parliament. We will go together and present our plea in the temple of democracy,” he said.
In an emotional appeal to supporters, he added:”I will stay alive till July 20 at any cost. If you don’t come and July 20 is not successful, I will come back as a ghost.”
The remarks drew loud cheers from supporters attending the protest.
Political leaders extend support
The ongoing protest has attracted several opposition leaders and public figures.
Among those who have visited or expressed solidarity with Wangchuk are former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, TMC MPs Mahua Moitra and Sagarika Ghose, CPI(M) MP Amra Ram, senior CPI(M) leader Subhashini Ali, and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, who earlier met Wangchuk at the protest site.
Their visits have added political significance to the demonstration, which has continued for nearly three weeks.
What are the protesters demanding?
The protest is being led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities.
The organisation has also sought 1 crore in compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the alleged examination-related issues.
As the planned July 20 Parliament march approaches, attention remains focused on Wangchuk’s health and whether the government responds to the protesters’ demands.
