Quote of the Day by Sonam Wangchuk— ‘My journey has been driven by empathy…’

Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's long-standing emphasis on empathy and public service has come back into focus as he continues his indefinite hunger strike at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in the education system. The 59-year-old activist entered the 17th day of his fast on Tuesday, with concerns mounting over his health as the ongoing Cockroach Janta Protest (CJP) completed 25 days.

Quote by Sonam Wangchuk

"My journey has mainly been driven by empathy towards people who I thought were suffering."

The quote reflects the philosophy that has shaped Wangchuk's work over the years as an educator, innovator and climate activist. It also offers context to his decision to join the ongoing agitation on June 28, where he has remained on an indefinite hunger strike in support of students protesting alleged examination irregularities.

According to a health update shared by the CJP, Wangchuk has lost 8.5 kg since beginning his fast, while his blood pressure was recorded at 109/70 mm Hg. The outfit said his health has continued to deteriorate, adding that he has now begun losing muscle mass.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said several people had urged Wangchuk to end the fast, but he remained resolute.

"Like everyone else, I begged him to end his fast. He calmly replied, 'Don't ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they won't even have a dialogue'," Dipke said in a post on X.

The protest, which began on June 20, is being held under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Protest. Wangchuk joined the agitation eight days later and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike since then.

The CJP has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in the education system. It has also sought ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with alleged examination irregularities in NEET (UG) 2026 and other examinations.

As part of its next phase of agitation, the outfit has announced a peaceful 'Chalo Sansad' march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session. It has also launched a missed-call campaign, urging supporters to register for the march.

The CJP has maintained that its demands remain unchanged, calling for accountability over the alleged examination irregularities, the Education Minister's resignation and financial assistance for affected families. The organisation has also urged the government to initiate a dialogue with the protesters.

As Wangchuk's hunger strike enters its 17th day, attention remains focused on his deteriorating health as well as the demands raised by the protesters, with the planned Parliament march expected to mark the next stage of the agitation.