‘India doesn’t need you to die': SC advocate urges Wangchuk to end fast, says ‘save your strength for…’ | Read letter
Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak.
Senior advocate Dr Vikas Singh has joined the growing chorus of support for Ladakh social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is now on the 19th day of his indefinite fast after joining the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests.
Singh urged Wangchuk to end his hunger strike. “India does not need you to die for a broken system. We need you to be alive, working, and leading us from the front,” he said, adding, “Please, save your strength for the long road ahead. End this fast, go back to the work you are best at.”
In a letter, Singh wrote: “I am writing this to you out of deep worry, but also with a very clear mind about the world we are living in right now. I see you sitting there, putting your body and your life on the line for the future of our children, for the NEET concern, and for the soul of our country.”
Quick answers to key questions
Sonam Wangchuk is on an indefinite hunger strike to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, primarily over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
Wangchuk is currently facing serious health risks, including potential multi-organ complications due to prolonged starvation, as warned by his attending physician.
Sonam Wangchuk has been on his hunger strike since June 28, and as of the 19th day, he has lost over 9 kilograms and is entering a critical phase of prolonged starvation.
The Delhi High Court has ordered the government to monitor Wangchuk's health on a daily basis and ensure that medical intervention is provided as necessary.
Dr. Vikas Singh urged Wangchuk to end his hunger strike to preserve his strength for future activism, emphasizing that his life is valuable and he can create change more effectively when healthy.
Appealing to Wangchuk to end the fast, he added, “PLEASE END THIS FAST. Your strength has never come from begging people in power or being at their mercy. Look at your life. You have always changed the world by doing, not by pleading.”
Praising Wangchuk's contribution to education, Singh said: “You revolutionised education by taking the students everyone gave up on and showing them their worth. You showed us what discipline, innovation and real empathy look like in action. You are unstoppable when you are on the ground, creating, teaching and building.”
Slamming the current political climate, Singh said, gone are the days when leaders or ministers accepted moral responsibility and stepped down when lives were gravely affected by actions taken under their watch.
He further said, “Politics has changed. Look at what is happening around us. We see massive institutional failures and broken systems ruining millions of young lives, yet those in power look at this severe wrongdoing and feel absolutely no shame or responsibility.”
Referring to elected representatives, Singh added: “The moral fibre of today's politicians is vastly diminishing... To expect a politician of today to have a conscience is unthinkable.”
Wangchuk's protest
Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak. His protest has received support from political leaders, activists, and members of civil society across the country.
As concerns over his deteriorating health continue to mount, several prominent figures, including politicians, actors, and writers, have appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast while expressing support for his campaign.
About the Author
Kanishka Singharia is a Senior Content Producer at Mint with a passion for news, trends, and the stories shaping the digital world. She specialises in spotting viral narratives by constantly tracking social media platforms and turning them into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Her work ranges from fast-paced breaking updates to sensitive human-interest features, blending speed with clarity. <br><br> With over four years of experience in news and trend reporting, Kanishka has worked with leading organisations such as Hindustan Times and Times Now. She moves seamlessly between profiling business leaders and telling the stories of everyday people, covering national developments just as effortlessly as the memes and conversations that dominate online culture. <br><br> She also reports on real estate developments and civic challenges in major urban hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurugram. Her coverage frequently explores the struggles of startup founders, inspiring journeys of CEOs, and the experiences of candidates dealing with the complexities of visa processes. <br><br> Kanishka holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Delhi University and a diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Rarely offline, she spends much of her time scrolling through X, LinkedIn, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook in search of the next big story. When she finally logs off, she enjoys binge-watching shows and exploring cafes in pursuit of good food and better conversations.
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