Education Reform – Sonam Links Hunger Strike’s End to Three Key Assurances
Education Reform – Social activist Sonam Wangchuk has said he will conclude his indefinite hunger strike on Monday only if three specific conditions are met. The announcement comes after more than three weeks of fasting, during which he has continued to press for accountability over issues affecting India’s education system. Wangchuk, who has completed 23 days without food, was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18. In a handwritten note shared through his social media account, he claimed that he was being kept under what he described as “illegal detention” inside the hospital.
Three Conditions Before Ending the Fast
In his message to supporters, Wangchuk clarified that his decision to end the protest depends on clear commitments rather than informal assurances. He stated that the first condition is for the government to publicly accept responsibility for repeated failures in the education system, including recurring examination paper leaks and related administrative shortcomings.
The second condition involves a march to Parliament alongside members of the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP). According to Wangchuk, if he and the group’s leadership are able to reach the Parliament complex and receive firm assurances from Members of Parliament and political leaders that the issue will be formally raised in both Houses, he would consider ending his fast.
Alternative Condition Based on Health
Wangchuk also outlined a third possibility linked to his medical condition. He said that if deteriorating health or any unavoidable circumstance prevents him from continuing the hunger strike, he would agree to call it off provided elected representatives from different political parties visit him at Safdarjung Hospital and personally assure him that the concerns surrounding the education system will be taken up in Parliament.
The activist stressed that written or public commitments carry greater value than verbal promises, saying his decision would depend on concrete action rather than expressions of support alone.
Focus on Education System and Paper Leaks
Throughout the protest, Wangchuk has consistently maintained that his campaign is intended to highlight structural weaknesses within India’s education system. He has repeatedly pointed to the recurring problem of examination paper leaks, arguing that such incidents undermine public confidence, harm deserving students, and expose deeper administrative failures.
According to Wangchuk, meaningful reforms can only begin after authorities acknowledge responsibility for these lapses and introduce effective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. He believes that accountability should be accompanied by long-term policy changes instead of temporary responses.
Health Remains Under Close Observation
As the fast has extended beyond three weeks, concerns over Wangchuk’s health have continued to grow among his supporters and the wider public. His hospitalization has intensified attention on his physical condition, with many expressing hope for his recovery while also backing his demand for education reforms.
Safdarjung Hospital has stated that Wangchuk is receiving continuous medical care under specialist supervision. Hospital authorities have indicated that his treatment is being managed with appropriate medical attention considering the seriousness of his condition.
Protest Continues Pending Assurances
In his latest communication, Wangchuk reiterated that he will not end his fast solely on verbal commitments. He said the protest will continue unless the government accepts responsibility for failures within the education sector or Members of Parliament from different political parties formally commit to raising the issue in Parliament.
His announcement has once again brought national attention to concerns surrounding examination integrity and education governance, while supporters continue to monitor developments regarding both his health and the government’s response.