Quote of the Day by Sonam Wangchuk— ‘My journey has been driven by empathy…’
Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's long-standing emphasis on empathy and public service has come back into focus as he continues his indefinite hunger strike
Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's long-standing emphasis on empathy and public service has come back into focus as he continues his indefinite hunger strike at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in the education system. The 59-year-old activist entered the 17th day of his fast on Tuesday, with concerns mounting over his health as the ongoing Cockroach Janta Protest (CJP) completed 25 days. Quote by Sonam Wangchuk "My journey has mainly been driven by empathy towards people who I thought were suffering." The quote reflects the philosophy that has shaped Wangchuk's work over the years as an educator, innovator and climate activist. It also offers context to his decision to join the ongoing agitation on June 28, where he has remained on an indefinite hunger strike in support of students protesting alleged examination irregularities. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What are the main demands of Sonam Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janta Party during their protests?
⌵ The main demands include the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, compensation for families of students affected by alleged exam irregularities, and accountability over systemic education failures. 2 Why did Sonam Wangchuk begin his indefinite hunger strike? ⌵ Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike in response to alleged paper leaks and irregularities in the education system, to support students protesting these issues. 3 How has Sonam Wangchuk's health been affected during his hunger strike? ⌵ Wangchuk's health has deteriorated significantly during the hunger strike; he has lost 8.5 kg and is experiencing muscle loss and immense pain. 4 What is the significance of the upcoming 'Chalo Sansad' march planned by the Cockroach Janta Party? ⌵ The 'Chalo Sansad' march aims to raise awareness of their demands and gather public support for education reforms as the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins. 5 Should the government engage in dialogue with the Cockroach Janta Party and Sonam Wangchuk? ⌵ Yes, there is a growing appeal for the government to engage in dialogue, as many believe it is crucial for addressing the educational concerns raised by Wangchuk and the protest group.
According to a health update shared by the CJP, Wangchuk has lost 8.5 kg since beginning his fast, while his blood pressure was recorded at 109/70 mm Hg. The outfit said his health has continued to deteriorate, adding that he has now begun losing muscle mass. Also Read | Sonam Wangchuk stays on hunger strike amid growing calls to end fast CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said several people had urged Wangchuk to end the fast, but he remained resolute. "Like everyone else, I begged him to end his fast. He calmly replied, 'Don't ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they won't even have a dialogue'," Dipke said in a post on X. The protest, which began on June 20, is being held under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Protest. Wangchuk joined the agitation eight days later and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike since then. The CJP has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in the education system.
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