Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike After Talks with Centre

New Delhi, July 24, 2026: Environmentalist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on Friday following negotiations with the Central government, bringing a temporary pause to a nationwide protest movement centred on alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and demands for greater accountability in India's education system.

Wangchuk broke his fast at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, was also present.

The activist had been admitted to hospital after doctors raised concerns over the impact of his prolonged fast on his health. He reportedly lost around 11 kilograms during the hunger strike and required continuous medical monitoring.

The conclusion of the fast was marked by an emotional moment as Dr Jitendra Singh helped Wangchuk sit upright, while Health Minister JP Nadda offered him his first sip of liquid. Wangchuk expressed gratitude to those who had supported him and acknowledged the constant presence of his wife during the difficult period.

"I am grateful and happy to break my fast. Thank you," he said, before turning to his wife. "She has always been by my side."

In a subsequent social media post, Wangchuk said his decision followed prolonged negotiations with the government and concerns over the possibility of violence. He said that 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had either met him or appealed to him to end his fast.

Wangchuk indicated that details of the discussions and the assurances received from the government would be made public later.

He also urged his supporters to maintain peace and preserve the non-violent character of the movement. Repeatedly stressing that "peace and only peace" was his way, he called on demonstrators to respond to provocation without retaliation and to maintain discipline.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi subsequently wished Wangchuk a speedy recovery and urged him to follow medical advice. In a social media message, Modi expressed the hope that the activist would regain his health after the prolonged fast.

Wangchuk had joined the student-led agitation on June 28 following allegations of irregularities in the NEET medical entrance examination. The protest movement has since expanded to include demands for greater transparency in competitive examinations, stronger safeguards against paper leaks and accountability within the education system.

The agitation has attracted students, parents, teachers and other sections of civil society, with demonstrations reported in several parts of the country.

Wangchuk's health had deteriorated during the fast. Authorities had earlier moved him from the protest site at Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital for medical treatment. He later shifted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram following legal proceedings initiated after his wife raised concerns about the adequacy of his medical care.

The Central government has meanwhile announced measures aimed at strengthening the examination system. Prime Minister Modi said the Union Cabinet would consider draft legislation proposing fast-track courts and tougher penalties for those involved in examination paper leaks. The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, subject to Cabinet approval.

The government has also announced changes in the senior leadership of the Ministry of Education, including the appointment of Naresh Kumar Gangwar as Higher Education Secretary and T. K. Anil Kumar as Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy.

While Wangchuk's hunger strike has ended, the wider protest movement is expected to continue. Organisers have said that demonstrations will go ahead until their key demands concerning examination reforms and accountability are addressed.

For supporters, the end of the fast marks a transition rather than the conclusion of the campaign. Wangchuk's call for peaceful and democratic engagement remains central to the movement as dialogue between protesters and the government continues.

Courtesy : India Today

Picture Courtesy : Sonam Wangchuk X Handle @Wangchuk66