Smiles, Applause As Sonam Wangchuk Sips Soup After 26 Days Without Food, Says 'Hunger Tastes Better'

Published 24 July 2026 · india

Smiles, Applause As Sonam Wangchuk Sips Soup After 26 Days Without Food, Says 'Hunger Tastes Better' Published By, Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 10:28 IST

Smiles, Applause As Sonam Wangchuk Sips Soup After 26 Days Without Food, Says 'Hunger Tastes Better' Published By, Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 10:28 IST Sonam Wangchuk said "hunger tastes better" after ending his 26-day fast, thanking the government for its assurances and urging protesters to remain peaceful. onam Wangchuk breaks his 26-day hunger strike, saying "Hunger tastes better" after taking his first sip of soup following the government's assurances. (Video screengrabs) Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s first words after ending his 26-day hunger strike on Friday captured the emotion of the moment, as he smiled after taking his first sip of soup. Sitting up on his hospital bed with assistance from medical staff, Wangchuk broke his prolonged fast after Union Minister JP Nadda conveyed the Centre’s assurances on issues related to the ongoing protests over the NEET paper leak controversy, examination reforms and accountability. Instead of water, Wangchuk took his first sip from a cup of soup, marking the end of nearly four weeks without food. Moments after taking the sip, Wangchuk made a remark that quickly became the defining statement of the day. “Hunger tastes better," he said, before explaining that while the soup tasted good, “hunger doesn’t taste bad either." The brief exchange drew smiles from those present, including Union Ministers Nadda and Jitendra Singh, doctors, family members and supporters who had gathered to witness the conclusion of his fast.

Wangchuk formally ended the fast after expressing gratitude for what he described as the government’s sensitivity towards students, victims and young people who had participated in peaceful protests. He also welcomed the assurance that discussions on reforms to the examination system and accountability would take place on the floor of Parliament. Appealing for calm, Wangchuk urged protesting students to continue expressing their concerns peacefully and said he did not support violence of any kind. He also cautioned against allowing anti-social elements to take advantage of the movement, stressing that the campaign should remain driven by genuinely concerned citizens. Following the end of his fast, Wangchuk shared a detailed post on X, saying he had broken his 26-day fast in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, along with senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh-Ladakh. He said the decision came after prolonged negotiations on several conditions and in view of concerns over possible violence in the country. ALSO READ | ‘Follow Doctor’s Advice, Regain Old Weight’: PM Modi To Sonam Wangchuk As He Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike Wangchuk also revealed that 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had either visited him or signed letters urging him to end the fast.