Kolkata8 hours agoAuthor: Tirthankar Das
The wave of solidarity with education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk is gathering momentum in Kolkata, with students, doctors and civil society groups joining protests across the city in support of his ongoing movement.
Medical College launches symbolic hunger strike
After 34 students of Jadavpur University observed a one-day symbolic hunger strike on July 17, the first such initiative in West Bengal backing Wangchuk, the movement spread to Kolkata Medical College on Saturday.
Students from the medical college began a 12-hour symbolic hunger strike, expressing solidarity with Wangchuk and the students who are continuing their indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Presidency students back Wangchuk
Students of Presidency University on Monday observed a symbolic hunger strike from 9 am at the university’s Portico in solidarity with education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk and the students continuing their indefinite protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
As part of the day’s programme, the students also staged a brief road blockade at the College Street crossing, demanding sweeping reforms in India’s education system. The protesters called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an end to paper leaks and examination-related corruption, and accountability for those responsible for alleged irregularities.
They also demanded the protection of public education, the safeguarding of students’ democratic rights, and an end to what they described as the repression of peaceful protests. The demonstration is the latest in a series of solidarity actions in Kolkata, following similar symbolic hunger strikes by students of Jadavpur University and Kolkata Medical College in support of the nationwide movement.
Jadavpur students inspired statewide solidarity movement
The protests also drew support from doctors who had led the agitation following the rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital two years ago. On Saturday morning, five young doctors from Kolkata arrived at Jantar Mantar after traveling overnight to participate in the ongoing protest and extend their support to the fasting students.
Citywide rallies demand education system accountability
Meanwhile, several protest marches and rallies were organised across Kolkata on Saturday. Students, doctors, and activists took to the streets carrying placards, banners, and black flags, raising slogans in support of Wangchuk and demanding greater accountability in the country’s education system.
Protesters seek Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation immediately
The demonstrators also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging irregularities in national entrance examinations and calling for reforms in the education sector. Protesters urged the government to ensure transparency in examination processes and respond to the concerns raised by students across the country.
Students amplify Wangchuk’s nationwide reform campaign
Organisers said the protests were intended to amplify the voices of those fasting at Jantar Mantar and to show that the movement had found support beyond Delhi. With Jadavpur University, Kolkata Medical College and civil society groups joining hands, the demonstrations marked one of the largest expressions of solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk’s movement in West Bengal so far.
