Sonam Wangchuk Urges Citizens to Become Their Own Heroes Amid Protests
Protests Against Examination Irregularities at Jantar Mantar
In New Delhi, renowned educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has made a significant appeal to citizens during ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar against alleged irregularities in examinations. Wangchuk encouraged individuals to take charge of their lives and become their own 'heroes' instead of waiting for someone else to lead them. He emphasized that he does not consider himself a 'modern Gandhi' or a hero, but rather a regular citizen fulfilling his duty.
Ongoing Hunger Strike and Health Concerns
The protest, organized under the banner of the 'Cockroach People's Party' (Cozpa), has now entered its 22nd day. Wangchuk is on his 14th day of an indefinite hunger strike in support of the movement. According to health updates shared by the organization, he has lost 7.5 kilograms due to the hunger strike, with his blood pressure recorded at 106/74 mmHg.
Expressing Gratitude and Disappointment
In a video shared on the social media platform 'X', Wangchuk expressed gratitude for the support received for the movement but also voiced his disappointment regarding two types of comments. He noted that while some refer to him as the Gandhi of the 21st century or a hero, he insists he is neither. He urged people to take on their civic responsibilities rather than searching for heroes in others.
Call to Action Against Student Suicides
Wangchuk highlighted the tragic incidents of student suicides linked to examination irregularities, urging people not to remain bystanders. He pointed out that if any of the affected students were someone's sister or daughter, the response would be different, encouraging everyone to join the movement without waiting for such a situation to arise. He also suggested that those unable to come to Delhi could fast from their locations and share their messages on social media.
Upcoming Peaceful March to Parliament
Wangchuk has called for a large turnout for a peaceful march to Parliament scheduled for July 20, aiming to draw attention from lawmakers to this critical issue. He reassured participants that they do not need to fast for 24 days like him; they can come with food but should fulfill their civic duty by joining the march on July 20. He made it clear that any attempt to remove them from the protest site would violate their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Demands from the Movement
Through this movement, Cozpa is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and compensation of one crore rupees for the families of students who have committed suicide due to examination irregularities. The organization has announced a peaceful march to Parliament on the first day of the monsoon session, July 20, following the protest's initiation on June 20, with Wangchuk on hunger strike since June 28.