Education – Sonam Wangchuk Urges Citizens to Lead Change Through Personal Responsibility
Education – Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has appealed to citizens to actively participate in democratic processes instead of depending on public figures to lead every movement.
Educator and environmental campaigner Sonam Wangchuk has rejected being described as a “modern Gandhi” or a national hero, saying such labels distract from the real purpose of public movements. Addressing supporters during his ongoing hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, he said he considers himself an ordinary citizen performing his civic duty. Wangchuk encouraged people to stop searching for inspirational personalities and instead accept responsibility for contributing to society through their own actions.
Hunger Strike Continues as Protest Enters Third Week
The demonstration organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged examination irregularities continued for the 22nd day on Saturday. Wangchuk, who joined the protest on June 28, completed the 14th day of his indefinite fast. According to a health bulletin issued by the organisers, he has lost approximately 7.5 kilograms since beginning the fast. His blood pressure was recorded at 106/74 mm Hg, while medical monitoring of his condition continues.
Wangchuk Says Energy Levels Have Declined
In a video shared on X on Friday evening, Wangchuk acknowledged that the prolonged fast had reduced his energy levels. He said he was feeling more tired than on previous days, adding that physical strength naturally fluctuates during an extended hunger strike. Despite the fatigue, he reaffirmed that he remains committed to the protest and its objectives.
Appeal for Greater Public Participation
While expressing gratitude for the support received on social media, Wangchuk said he was uncomfortable with comments portraying him as a hero or comparing him with Mahatma Gandhi. He explained that lasting social change depends on ordinary citizens fulfilling their responsibilities rather than relying on individual personalities. According to him, every citizen has the ability to contribute meaningfully to public causes and democratic accountability.
Students’ Issues Remain Central to the Campaign
Referring to student deaths that the CJP has associated with alleged examination irregularities, Wangchuk urged people not to remain passive observers. He said citizens should stand with affected families before such tragedies personally touch their own lives. Those unable to travel to Delhi, he suggested, could organise symbolic fasts or peaceful demonstrations in their own cities while sharing messages supporting transparency and accountability.
March to Parliament Planned on July 20
Wangchuk once again invited citizens to participate in the peaceful march to Parliament scheduled for July 20, coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon Session. He clarified that supporters were not expected to undertake a prolonged fast like his own but simply join the march after completing their normal routine. He described participation as an opportunity for people to demonstrate their commitment to democratic values and public accountability.
Protesters Continue to Press Their Demands
Earlier this week, Wangchuk stated that his hunger had stabilised after the initial phase of the fast. He also maintained that any attempt to remove him from the protest venue against his will would infringe upon his constitutional right to peaceful protest. He said he had voluntarily chosen to continue the fast in support of students demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities and to seek an early resolution of long-pending concerns related to Ladakh.
The Cockroach Janta Party has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and sought compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students whose deaths by suicide have been linked by the organisation to the alleged examination irregularities. The protest, which began on June 20, continues alongside preparations for the planned Parliament march later this month.