Sonam Wangchuk is 'stupid': Social media post goes viral amid hunger strike; and, it's no insult

“I genuinely think Sonam Wangchuk is stupid,” started a social media post. But, before you jump to conclusions, read the rest of the post. The first sentence itself is smeared with deep sarcasm. The rest of the post clarifies the stance.

“Who in their right mind builds schools in the Himalayas, invents artificial glaciers so farmers don’t die of thirst, wins international awards, inspires a movie that made crores, and then spends their life going on hunger strikes for a country that detains them under terrorism laws for 170 days as a thank you. Genuinely stupid behaviour,” says the post.

“Meanwhile, our judicial system is busy giving bail to people who probably shouldn’t have it, detaining people who definitely shouldn’t be detained, and a High Court judge recently said something about removing clothes forcefully and having fun with a wife that I genuinely cannot repeat without my brain short-circuiting,” the post further says.

“This is the country where Sonam Wangchuk is the problem. Where students get their exam papers leaked and nobody resigns. Where a 57 year old man starving himself for 17 days is less newsworthy than a Bollywood actor’s airport look. This country, Indian judiciary and government is seriously broken. And right now something is very, very broken,” the post adds.

“Happy 15th August in advance. The flags are already being ironed,” the post concludes, hinting at the sinister possibility of Sonam Wangchuk’s death due to the hunger strike.

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Sonam Wangchuk

Sonam Wangchuk is the inspiration behind 3 Idiots’ Phunsukh Wangdu, played by Aamir Khan. However, the maverick scientist’s identity extends far beyond that.

Wangchuk, 18 days into his hunger strike, could die within 48 hours, according to a recent PIL. The reformer from Ladakh is protesting outside Jantar Mantar, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. The chilling PIL claims his death would bring "great shame" upon India, globally.

According to multiple reports, Wangchuk has already shed a staggering 8.5 kg during his desperate protest. His blood pressure has reportedly plummeted to a worrying 109/70 reading.

Despite mounting support from academics, actors and opposition politicians, there hasn’t been any response from the one that matters the most: the government. The petition accuses officials of treating him like a "hardcore criminal" or "terrorist". His protest started on 28 June, targeting the explosive NEET-UG paper leak scandal.

Wangchuk joined the protest initiated by the Cockroach Janta Party. CJP, which activist Abhijeet Dipke started as a satirical political movement, has reached serious avenues over the last few weeks.