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

“I really think Sonam Wangchuk is stupid,” the social media post began. But before you jump to conclusions, read the rest of the post. The very first sentence is littered with deep sarcasm. The rest of the post makes the position clear.

“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 multi-million dollar movie, and then spends their life on hunger strike for a country that holds them under terrorism laws for 170 days as a thank you. Genuinely stupid behavior

“Meanwhile, our court system is busy giving bail to people who probably shouldn’t have bail, detaining people who definitely shouldn’t be detained, and a Supreme Court judge recently said something about forcefully taking off her clothes and making out with her wife that I really can’t repeat without short-circuiting my brain,” the post continued.

“This is a country where Sonam Wangchuk is the problem. Students are leaking exam papers and no one is resigning. Where a 57-year-old man starving for 17 days is less interesting than the sight of a Bollywood actor at an airport. This country, India’s judiciary and government are seriously broken. And right now, something is very, very broken,” the post added.

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

Golden Wangchuk

Sonam Wangchuk is the inspiration for Phunsukh Wangdu from 3 Idiots played by Aamir Khan. However, the identity of the geek scientist goes far beyond that.

Wangchuk, 18 days into his hunger strike, could die within 48 hours, according to a recent PIL. A reformer from Ladakh protests outside the Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The chilling PIL claims his death would bring “great shame” to India across the world.

According to multiple reports, Wangchuk has already shed a staggering 8.5kg during his desperate protest. His blood pressure is said to have dropped to an alarming 109/70.

Despite growing support from academics, actors and opposition politicians, there has been no response from what matters most: the government. The petition accuses officials of treating him like a “hardened criminal” or a “terrorist.” His protest started on June 28 against the explosive NEET-UG paper leak scandal.

Wangchuk joined the protest initiated by the Cockroach Janta Party. CJP, which was founded by activist Abhijeet Dipke as a satirical political movement, has made serious inroads in recent weeks.