From Jantar Mantar, Wangchuk appealed to students, teachers and ordinary citizens to join the peaceful movement, saying even a single day of fasting would strengthen the campaign’s message.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, June 29, 2026: Education reformer, engineer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday appealed to people across the country to join his indefinite hunger strike for at least one day, saying even a symbolic fast would strengthen what he described as a peaceful citizens’ movement for education reforms, environmental protection and justice for Ladakh.
Wangchuk’s indefinite fast, which began at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on June 28, entered its second day amid growing participation by students, activists, teachers and supporters from different parts of the country. The protest combines long-standing demands concerning Ladakh with calls for accountability over alleged examination irregularities and broader reforms in India’s education system.
In a video message released from the protest site, Wangchuk said the movement was not confined to Delhi and urged citizens to participate wherever they lived.
“Today is my second day of fasting on salt and water. Many people have already joined me. If you can come to Jantar Mantar and fast for just one day, it will be a great support,” he said.
Recognising that many supporters would be unable to travel to the national capital, Wangchuk asked them to organise one-day fasts in their own cities, towns and villages.
“If you cannot come here, observe a one-day fast in your own state, city or village—for better education, environmental protection and a response from the government,” he said, adding that peaceful public participation would send a strong message to policymakers.
According to Wangchuk, several people at the protest site have already volunteered to observe fasts lasting three to five days, while others have pledged to continue participating in shifts so that the agitation remains peaceful and sustained. However, he stressed that supporters need not undertake prolonged fasting.
“Even if you can spare one day, your participation will strengthen this movement,” he said.
जंतर-मंतर पर शिक्षा, पर्यावरण और जवाबदेही को लेकर जारी आंदोलन के बीच सामाजिक कार्यकर्ता सोनम वांगचुक का अनशन आज दूसरे दिन में प्रवेश कर गया।
उन्होंने देशभर के लोगों से अपील की कि वे शिक्षा में सुधार और आंदोलन के समर्थन में अपनी इच्छा अनुसार एक या दो दिन का सांकेतिक उपवास रखें।… pic.twitter.com/O8HaGu2mh5
— Molitics (@moliticsindia) June 29, 2026
Why Wangchuk Began the Fast
The hunger strike follows the expiry of an ultimatum Wangchuk had issued to the Union government seeking action on multiple issues, including reforms in the education sector and concerns relating to Ladakh.
Among the issues raised by Wangchuk are allegations surrounding examination irregularities, including the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, which he says has shaken the confidence of millions of students and parents. He has argued that restoring transparency and integrity in competitive examinations is essential to rebuilding public trust.
Alongside education reforms, Wangchuk has continued to advocate for stronger environmental safeguards in the fragile Himalayan region of Ladakh. He has repeatedly warned that unchecked infrastructure development, mining and climate change threaten the region’s glaciers, biodiversity and water security.
He has also reiterated demands for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, including protection of its ecology, land and employment opportunities for local communities.
Call for a Nationwide People’s Movement
Wangchuk emphasised that the protest should remain entirely peaceful and democratic. Rather than calling for demonstrations or confrontation, he appealed for voluntary participation through symbolic fasting and public discussions.
Supporters have been encouraged to organise community gatherings, educational events and peaceful assemblies while observing one-day fasts in solidarity with the movement.
The activist said such participation would demonstrate that concerns about education, environmental conservation and governance are shared across the country and are not confined to any one region.
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Growing Support at Jantar Mantar
The protest site at Jantar Mantar has witnessed a steady flow of students, environmental activists, teachers, civil society organisations and ordinary citizens expressing solidarity with Wangchuk.
Many participants have said they were inspired by his long-standing advocacy for sustainable development in Ladakh, his work in promoting innovative education models, and his emphasis on non-violent democratic engagement.
Organisers expect more supporters from different states to join the protest over the coming days.
A Continuing Campaign
Wangchuk has described the hunger strike as part of a larger campaign aimed at encouraging dialogue rather than confrontation. He has said the movement seeks constructive engagement with the government on issues affecting students, the environment and the future of Ladakh.
He has reiterated that the campaign will remain peaceful and has appealed to citizens to participate responsibly, whether by joining him at Jantar Mantar or by observing a one-day fast in their own communities.
As his indefinite fast entered its second day, Wangchuk said the movement’s strength would depend not on the duration of individual fasts but on the willingness of ordinary citizens to stand together for what he called “better education, a healthier environment and a better future for coming generations.”
