Shashi Tharoor Urges Activist to End Hunger Strike Over NEET Irregularities

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has urged activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike over alleged NEET exam irregularities. In a heartfelt open letter, Tharoor emphasized the importance of dialogue with the government and shared his personal experiences growing up in a middle-class family. He highlighted the need for a fair and merit-based educational system, warning that irregularities disproportionately affect youth from lower-income backgrounds. As Parliament prepares to reconvene, Tharoor believes this is a crucial moment to address student concerns in a democratic setting. Read on for more insights into his message and the broader implications for education in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 15, 2026, 13:06 IST

Tharoor's Call to Action

On Wednesday, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor appealed to activist Sonam Wangchuk to conclude his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, which was initiated in response to alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. He emphasized the importance of engaging in dialogue with the government, stating that such actions would reflect wisdom and maturity rather than weakness. In an open letter addressed to the protesters at Jantar Mantar, Tharoor noted that Parliament is set to reconvene on Monday, providing a significant platform to raise student concerns in the heart of democracy.

A Personal Plea

Tharoor expressed that the resolution to the issue should be sought through discussion rather than through a prolonged hunger strike. He urged the youth, saying, 'Today, I speak not just as a politician or MP, but as someone deeply concerned about the challenges faced by your generation.' He shared his own background, having grown up in a middle-class family where his father worked for a newspaper and his mother was a homemaker, highlighting the struggles of financing education for three children on a single income.

Educational Journey and Advocacy

He recounted his educational journey, which included schooling in Mumbai and Kolkata, followed by college in Delhi, where he excelled academically and gained admission to IIM. However, he chose to pursue his passion for international affairs in the United States on a scholarship instead. Tharoor stressed that he inherited nothing and achieved everything through hard work and examinations.

The Need for Fairness

Tharoor articulated his understanding of the challenges faced by youth from low and middle-income families, asserting that a fair and merit-based system is crucial for their advancement. He pointed out that when this system is compromised—through incidents like paper leaks or exam cancellations—it is the wealthy and powerful who remain unaffected. In his open letter on X, he highlighted that such failures betray the dreams and sacrifices of families.

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