Date: July 18, 2026
By Kimberly Wilson
NEW DELHI, India — Indian authorities have transferred prominent social activist and education reform campaigner Sonam Wangchuk to a government hospital after his health deteriorated during the 21st day of an indefinite hunger strike, despite his refusal to end the protest. The move has intensified nationwide attention on his campaign demanding reforms to India's education system and accountability over recent examination paper leaks.
Delhi Police said Wangchuk, 59, was taken from the protest site at Jantar Mantar on Saturday following medical advice and a directive from the Delhi High Court, which had instructed authorities to intervene if his condition became life-threatening. Officials said doctors reported severe dehydration and warned that his health was continuing to deteriorate.
Wangchuk began his hunger strike on June 28 in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led movement demanding the resignation of India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following examination paper leaks that disrupted national entrance examinations affecting millions of students. The protesters argue that repeated examination scandals have undermined confidence in India's education system and damaged the futures of countless young people.
According to police, Wangchuk was transported to a government hospital after refusing medical treatment, including intravenous fluids, despite doctors warning that he faced serious complications such as dehydration and dangerously low potassium levels. Authorities maintained that the decision was made solely to preserve his life.
Supporters of the activist disputed the government's account, alleging that Wangchuk was removed from the protest site against his wishes. Videos circulating on social media showed police and security personnel carrying him on a stretcher while protesters attempted to resist the operation. Several supporters also alleged that police cleared parts of the protest area during the intervention.
Following Wangchuk's removal, Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, announced that he would continue the protest by launching his own hunger strike. Organizers also confirmed plans to proceed with a march to India's Parliament scheduled for July 20, saying the movement's demands remain unchanged despite Wangchuk's hospitalization.
The protest has emerged as one of the most visible youth-led demonstrations challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in recent months. It has attracted widespread public attention through social media, where millions have followed the campaign calling for educational reforms, greater transparency in national examinations, and increased government accountability.
Wangchuk, an engineer, innovator, and environmental activist known internationally for his work on sustainable development in the Himalayan region, has become a prominent public figure through his advocacy on environmental protection, education, and governance. His latest protest has broadened his activism to include concerns over opportunities for India's youth and the integrity of public institutions.
Medical officials at the hospital later reported that Wangchuk was in stable condition but remained weak after three weeks without food. Doctors said he would require continuous monitoring while efforts continued to persuade him to accept treatment. Reports also indicated that members of his family expressed concern about medical decisions being made without his consent.
Opposition politicians and civil society organizations criticized the government's handling of the protest, arguing that peaceful demonstrations should be protected while calling for dialogue with the protesters. Government officials, however, defended the intervention as necessary to safeguard Wangchuk's life in accordance with the court's directive.
As tensions continue to rise, authorities have increased security around the protest site while organizers vow to continue demonstrations until their demands are addressed. The unfolding standoff has become a focal point in India's ongoing debate over education reform, youth unemployment, and government accountability, with observers closely watching whether negotiations can ease the growing political tensions.