Sonam Wangchuk’s health worsens amid CJP hunger strike; 3 Idiots’ Omi Vaidya says ‘don’t let him die’; fans question Aamir Khan’s silence

Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s health has deteriorated further as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 17th day. Doctors have reported a further drop in his blood pressure and said he has lost 7.8 kg since the fast began.

The Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi over alleged examination irregularities entered its 25th day.

Sonam Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 and has been on an indefinite hunger strike since then.

Sonam has time and again appealed to people to join the proposed march to Parliament on July 20, urging citizens to come together and ask MPs to address issues related to the alleged examination irregularities.

The CJP has been demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who died by suicide over the alleged examination irregularities. The outfit has also announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke shared an update on Sonam Wangchuk’s health, stating that his condition had worsened. He said Wangchuk was losing muscle mass and experiencing immense pain amid the ongoing protests.

Meanwhile, actor Omi Vaidya, best known for playing Chatur in 3 Idiotsmade an emotional appeal for Sonam Wangchuk, whose real-life work inspired Aamir Khan’s character Phunsukh Wangdu in the film.

On Tuesday, July 14, Omi shared a video on social media, introducing himself before urging people to pay attention to Wangchuk’s condition.

“I don’t want Phunsukh Wangdu to die. Did you know that Phunsukh Wangdu from 3 Idiots is actually based on a real-life Ladakhi engineer, innovator, educator and reformer named Sonam Wangchuk? I’ve met this guy. He’s a pretty interesting character,” he said.

Describing Wangchuk as a humble and inspiring individual, Vaidya praised his contributions and encouraged people to learn more about his work.

“Right now he is on a very long hunger strike. His blood sugar has gone down very much. I don’t know if you’ve heard about this. I don’t know if the media is reporting this. But this is a pretty important thing.”

“Whether you agree with him or not, I don’t really want this guy to die,” Vaidya added, requesting people to understand the issues surrounding the protest.

Actor Zeenat Aman also extended her support. Sharing a picture of Wangchuk on Instagram, she wrote, “My thoughts today are in the country’s capital city where @wangchuksworld is entering the 17th day of his indefinite hunger strike.”

She added, “I read in a news article that Mr. Wangchuk ‘has started losing muscle mass and is in immense pain.’ And that, when asked to end his fast, he replied, ‘Don’t ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they won’t even have a dialogue.'”

“With respect to Mr. Wangchuk’s wishes, I implore the Indian government to open dialogue on this matter that concerns the future of all India,” Zeenat further wrote.

“We must not become a society that sits back and watches one of its greatest minds be sacrificed. India has a long history of peaceful protest; those who wield power are obliged to meet such protest with peaceful dialogue. My respect and best wishes to all.”

Apart from that, writer Arundhati Roy, actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, filmmaker Sanjay Kak and several others appealed to the CJP to end the indefinite hunger strike.

“We request you to please consider ending this hunger strike immediately in the interests of the longer and more difficult struggle ahead. This battle is a marathon, not a sprint, and we need you, your strength and leadership in the days to come,” read a portion of their statement.

AISA activist Deepak, who had also been on a hunger strike since June 28, was admitted to Delhi’s RML Hospital on Monday after his health deteriorated.

With several celebs and even writers and students having come out in support, netizens asked why Aamir Khan is silent and not speaking about Sonam’s deteriorating health.