'Do I need a character certificate?': Wangchuk, wife hit out at critics after climate activist ends 26-day hunger strike
Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk on Friday responded to critics who questioned his decision to end the 26-day hunger strike held in support of
Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk on Friday responded to critics who questioned his decision to end the 26-day hunger strike held in support of students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak. In a video message posted on social media, he questioned why his commitment to the cause needed a character certificate. Wangchuk's response to critics Wangchuk said, "After 26 days of fasting for the sake of students, losing 11 kilograms of body weight in which I have also lost muscle mass and my organs and brain reached the verge of irreversible damage, and doing all this in the scorching heat of Delhi after coming from the bitter cold of Ladakh, do I have to seek a character certificate from anyone about how sacred my fast was, about whose hands I broke it at, or whether I made a deal or not?... Shame on a country that produces such minds, from which such vile thoughts spring. I don't blame anyone because most of you lack knowledge of what circumstances I have been through, what my family has been through in the past week or two... So before listening to anyone, be sure to look at their background. Do they hold any grudges? Are they from a political party that has grudges against another political party, or are they a neutral person? If they are neutral, then definitely listen to them..." Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What led to Sonam Wangchuk's 26-day hunger strike?
⌵ Sonam Wangchuk undertook a 26-day hunger strike to support students protesting against the alleged NEET paper leak and to demand systemic reforms in India's competitive examination framework. 2 Why did Wangchuk decide to end his hunger strike? ⌵ Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the government regarding discussions about accountability in the failing examination system and financial compensation for families of students who died by suicide. 3 What were the key demands of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) during the protests? ⌵ The CJP demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, ₹1 crore compensation for families of deceased students, withdrawal of FIRs against peaceful protesters, and prosecution of police involved in violence. 4 How did Sonam Wangchuk's health condition affect his decision to break the fast? ⌵ Wangchuk's health deteriorated significantly after 26 days of fasting, leading him to break the fast in light of potential irreversible damage to his organs and brain. 5 What formal assurance did Wangchuk receive from the government before ending his protest? ⌵ Wangchuk obtained a formal written assurance from the government that there would be a thorough debate in Parliament about accountability in the education system and the implementation of measures to prevent future examination irregularities. Wangchuk ends hunger strike His remarks came roughly a day after he ended his indefinite hunger strike at Medanta Hospital in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.
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