Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Gurugram, July 24: Social activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike late on Thursday night after Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh met him at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, Haryana. Wangchuk broke his fast in their presence, bringing an end to nearly four weeks of continuous protest. His wife, Geetanjali, was also present at the hospital during the emotional moment.

Wangchuk had begun his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 after joining the students' agitation at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi over the alleged NEET-UG question paper leak and demands for sweeping reforms in India's examination and education system. The movement was led by students who accused authorities of failing to ensure fairness and transparency in one of the country's most important entrance examinations.

One of the principal demands raised by the protesting students was the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him accountable for the alleged irregularities surrounding the NEET-UG examination. Wangchuk extended his support to the students and soon emerged as one of the most prominent faces of the nationwide movement. His decision to undertake an indefinite fast drew widespread public attention and added significant momentum to the protests.

The hunger strike continued, concerns over Wangchuk's health steadily increased. Medical experts repeatedly warned that the prolonged fast posed serious risks to his physical condition. Despite deteriorating health, Wangchuk continued his protest, insisting that meaningful reforms in the education system were essential to restore public confidence in competitive examinations.

The students' agitation gained nationwide attention during the course of Wangchuk's fast, with political parties, civil society groups, education activists, and student organisations expressing support for the demand for greater accountability and transparency. The controversy surrounding the alleged examination paper leak intensified political confrontation between the ruling government and opposition parties, making the issue one of the country's most closely watched public movements.

On July 18, authorities shifted Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi after his health condition became a matter of concern. Doctors monitored his condition closely, but due to the need for more advanced medical care, he was transferred to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on July 21. Even while undergoing treatment, Wangchuk continued his indefinite hunger strike from the hospital, reaffirming his commitment to the students' cause.

Late on Thursday night, Union Ministers J. P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh visited Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital. Following discussions with the two ministers, Wangchuk agreed to end his hunger strike. In their presence, he formally broke his fast, bringing the 26-day protest to a close. His wife Geetanjali remained by his side throughout the meeting and witnessed the conclusion of the prolonged demonstration.

The end of Wangchuk's hunger strike is being viewed as a significant development amid the ongoing debate over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and demands for reforms in India's education system. While his fast has concluded, the issues raised by protesting students regarding examination integrity, transparency, and accountability continue to remain at the centre of national discussion. Political observers believe the withdrawal of Wangchuk's fast could mark a new phase in the dialogue between the government and those seeking comprehensive reforms in the country's examination process.