Quote of the Day by Sonam Wangchuk – “My journey has been guided by empathy…” | Today’s news
Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s long-standing emphasis on empathy and public service has returned to the spotlight as he continues an 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 amid concerns over his health as the ongoing Janta Cockroach Protest (CJP) ended for 25 days.
Quote by Sonam Wangchuk
“My journey was mainly driven by empathy for people I thought were suffering.
The quote reflects the philosophy that has shaped Wangchuk’s work as an educator, innovator and climate activist over the years. It also provides context for his decision to join the ongoing agitation on June 28, when he went on an indefinite hunger strike in support of students protesting alleged examination irregularities.
According to a health update shared by CJP, Wangchuk has lost 8.5 kg since starting the fast, while his blood pressure was recorded at 109/70 mm Hg. The outfit said his health continues to deteriorate, adding that he has now started losing muscle mass.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said several people urged Wangchuk to end the fast, but he remained determined.
“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 Janta Cockroach Protest. Wangchuk joined the agitation eight days later and has been on an indefinite hunger strike ever since.
The CJP has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in the education system. It also searched ₹1 million compensation to the families of students who allegedly committed suicide in connection with alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) 2026 and other examinations.
As part of its next phase of agitation, the unit announced a peaceful ‘Chalo Sansad’ march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the monsoon session. It has also launched a missed calls campaign, urging supporters to register for the march.
The CJP insisted that its demands remain unchanged, calling for accountability for alleged examination irregularities, the resignation of the education minister and financial assistance to affected families. The organization also called on the government to open 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 made by protesters, with the planned parliamentary march expected to mark the next phase of agitation.
