Sonam Wangchuk: Activist’s hunger strike fuels student movement that forces minister’s exit

Sonam Wangchuk emerged as a leading figure in India’s student-led movement after his 26-day hunger strike helped intensify nationwide protests over exam paper leaks, culminating in the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

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The social activist, who is approaching 60, joined the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) campaign and attracted widespread support from students across the country.

Speaking from his hospital bed after ending his fast, Wangchuk described the minister’s resignation as “a victory of democracy, direct democracy… straight from the streets.”

He also congratulated the CJP and India’s Generation Z for sustaining the movement through peaceful protests.

Hunger strike strengthens student campaign

Wangchuk’s fast added momentum to demonstrations demanding accountability over exam paper leaks that affected millions of students.

Support for the campaign grew rapidly across India. Bollywood celebrities and public figures also voiced solidarity with the protesters.

Although many compared him to Mahatma Gandhi, Wangchuk rejected the comparison.

“I am no Gandhi, no hero,” he said during the hunger strike. “Be the hero of your own life and fulfil your responsibilities.”

Education reformer and environmental campaigner

Known as “Sonam Sir” by many supporters, Wangchuk has spent decades working on education reform and environmental conservation in Ladakh.

He received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018 for pioneering educational initiatives and developing artificial “ice stupas” that store winter water for summer irrigation.

Born in 1966 in the remote village of Ulaytokpo, Wangchuk began teaching fellow students while studying engineering before founding the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh.

Long record of activism

In recent years, Wangchuk has campaigned for environmental protection and greater autonomy for Ladakh.

Authorities jailed him for nearly six months in 2025 following protests demanding statehood for the region. He denied allegations that he incited violence.

Speaking after ending his fast, Wangchuk urged supporters to continue pushing for reforms.

“From accountability, now to reforms,” he said while making a victory sign from his hospital bed.