In his note, Wangchuk described the ongoing agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak as “India’s second freedom movement,” calling for “freedom from injustice” and “freedom from fear.”
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, July 19, 2026: Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk on Sunday released a handwritten note from Safdarjung Hospital, where he has been admitted under police supervision while continuing his indefinite hunger strike, describing his stay as an “illegal detention” and urging supporters to ensure that Monday’s march to Parliament becomes a “big success.”
The appeal comes a day before the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins, with the proposed march expected to draw students, activists and civil society groups demanding accountability over the alleged NEET examination paper leak and reforms in the country’s examination system.
Unable to participate because of his deteriorating health after more than three weeks without food, Wangchuk said his wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, would lead the procession on his behalf.
In the handwritten message, circulated by his supporters, Wangchuk described the ongoing agitation as “India’s second freedom movement,” saying it sought freedom from systemic injustice and arbitrary state action.
“India’s 2nd freedom movement—for freedom from injustice (like paper leaks) and freedom from fear (my illegal detention),” he wrote.
Appealing to protesters to continue the movement peacefully, he added: “March to the Parliament. Please make it a big success.” The note ended with the words: “Sent through Gitanjali from my illegal detention at Safdarjung.”
Message from Sonam :
20th JULY
आज़ादी का दूसरा आन्दोलन
भय मुक्त भारत, अन्याय मुक्त भारतFreedom from injustice (Like paper leaks)
Freedom from Fear (my illegal detention)India’s 2nd FREEDOM MOVEMENT
March to the Parliament
Please make it a big successSent through… pic.twitter.com/XYeUXgUxJH
— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) July 19, 2026
Wangchuk, who has emerged as one of the country’s most prominent voices on education reform and environmental issues, joined the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on June 28 against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He subsequently launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding greater transparency, accountability and structural reforms in the conduct of national competitive examinations following allegations of irregularities in the NEET examination.
READ: Delhi HC Refuses To Shift Wangchuk to Private Hospital
His health has steadily worsened during the fast. On the 21st day of his hunger strike, police shifted him from the protest site at Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital, citing concerns over his deteriorating medical condition. The transfer came shortly after the Delhi High Court directed the authorities to take all necessary measures to preserve his life.
Medical reports placed before the High Court have stated that Wangchuk is suffering from dehydration and ketosis. Doctors have informed the court that while he has accepted oral medicines and sugar-free oral rehydration solution, he has refused intravenous fluids and nutritional supplements containing sugar or vitamins in keeping with the terms of his fast.
Meanwhile, Wangchuk’s wife has appealed to supporters to participate peacefully in Monday’s Parliament march, saying the movement would continue despite his hospitalisation. The planned demonstration is expected to coincide with the opening day of the Monsoon Session, ensuring that the issue of examination reforms remains in national focus.
