Sonam Wangchuk's Health Worsens as Hunger Strike Stretches Into Day 15

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Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's health has continued to decline as his indefinite hunger strike stretches into its third week, raising growing concern among supporters, doctors, and political leaders monitoring the protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

Photo Credit: Instagram: @wangchuksworld

The Latest on His Condition

As of Sunday, July 12, medical teams tracking Wangchuk reported that his blood pressure had dropped to 104/66 mm Hg, and that his total weight loss since the start of the fast had reached 7.8 kg. The decline follows an earlier update just two days prior, when his weight loss stood at 7.5 kg, and his blood pressure was recorded slightly higher at 106/74 mm Hg - a sign that his condition has been worsening day over day rather than stabilising.

Earlier in the strike, doctors had flagged sharper warning signs: on day five of the fast, his blood sugar level dropped to 60 while his blood pressure remained low, prompting the organisers behind the protest to publicly warn that the government would bear responsibility if his health took a serious turn.

Background: What the Protest Is About

Wangchuk joined the protest, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), on June 28 - about a week after the sit-in itself began on June 20 at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. The demonstration centres on alleged irregularities in examinations, with organisers demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and Rs 1 crore in compensation for the families of students who died by suicide over the alleged irregularities.

As the fast entered its 15th day and the broader protest its 23rd, other participants have also been affected. Members of an affiliated students' group have continued a separate hunger strike at the same site, and at least one member was hospitalised earlier in the protest.

Wangchuk's Own Message

Despite his weakening condition, Wangchuk has continued to address supporters through videos posted on social media. Rather than positioning himself as a singular leader of the movement, he has repeatedly urged citizens to take ownership of the cause themselves. In one recent message, he said he did not want to be seen as a "modern Gandhi" or hero, and instead asked people to see themselves as the "hero" of their own lives and fulfil their responsibilities as citizens.

He has also used these appearances to acknowledge his declining energy levels day by day, while maintaining that his commitment to the protest remains unchanged. Organisers say any attempt to physically remove him from the protest site would be treated as a serious escalation.

What Comes Next

The CJP has called for a march to Parliament on July 20, timed to coincide with the opening day of the Monsoon Session, inviting citizens who cannot join the hunger strike itself to instead observe a fast wherever they are or attend the protest for even a single day. Several political figures and public intellectuals have also visited or been scheduled to visit the protest site in a show of solidarity as the standoff continues.

As of this writing, there has been no announcement of Wangchuk ending his fast, and doctors continue to monitor his vitals closely given the sustained drop in both his blood pressure and body weight.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.