Frailty and Fervor in India’s Hunger Strike

The scorching summer heat of Delhi has little effect on Sonam Wangchuk, a 59-year-old activist who has lost a staggering 8.2kg on his 16th day of hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. This frail figure has captured the nation’s attention as he fights for what he believes in.

Wangchuk’s protest is part of the online satirical movement Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which aims to bring down Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over a paper leak in an entrance exam for aspiring doctors. This is not just about accountability; it’s about trust in the system and the government’s willingness to listen to its citizens.

The CJP, led by Abhijeet Dipke, has been demanding Pradhan’s resignation since early May but has been met with dismissal and disdain from the Education Minister. The BJP’s silence on this matter is telling, highlighting a disconnect between the government and the people it represents.

Wangchuk, an engineer and respected educationist from Ladakh, has long championed educational reform through his work on climate change adaptation and the development of the “ice stupa,” a innovative solution for water storage in winter. His decision to take up a hunger strike is a stark reminder that even those with a proven track record can feel ignored and dismissed.

As news of Wangchuk’s health concerns spreads, thousands are urging him to end his fast, but he remains resolute. “I have to take what I’ve begun to its logical conclusion,” he said in an interview with the BBC. His dedication is admirable, but it raises questions about the sustainability of such protests.

Prof Nandita Narain notes that Pradhan must take moral responsibility for the leak and quit. She calls Wangchuk’s decision to resort to a hunger strike “very sad” given his outstanding contributions to public life. This is not just about one man; it’s about systemic issues plaguing India’s education system.

Supporters, including Animesh Sahu, an engineer from Hyderabad, are concerned for Wangchuk’s health. The government must pay attention to him, Sahu says. Satyaprakash Bharadwaj, a farmer, describes Wangchuk as “a diamond” willing to sacrifice his life for the younger generation.

The struggle for accountability in India’s education system will likely continue beyond Wangchuk’s hunger strike. Dipke points out that “We have a battle to fight which will go on for much longer.” The question remains: what kind of protest will be sustainable? One that puts individuals’ lives at risk or one that finds creative ways to engage citizens?

The Indian government would do well to heed the words of Mahatma Gandhi, whom Wangchuk cites as his inspiration. “Non-violence is not a garment to be put on and off at will,” Gandhi said. “Its seat is in the heart.” It’s time for India’s leaders to listen to their citizens and take concrete steps towards reform.

The situation unfolding now has brought attention to simmering discontent among India’s youth. The question now is whether this movement will be sustained or if it will fizzle out like so many others before it. One can only hope that the latter is not the case.