Kolkata22 minutes agoAuthor: Tirthankar Das
In a first-of-its-kind show of solidarity in West Bengal, 34 students of Jadavpur University (JU) on Friday observed a one-day symbolic hunger strike in support of education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk and the students continuing their indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
24 students observe symbolic daylong fast
The protest began at 12 pm outside Triguna Sen auditorium inside Jadavpur University, with students sitting on a day-long fast to express support for Wangchuk’s ongoing movement. Organisers described it as the first symbolic hunger strike in Kolkata and West Bengal in solidarity with the Ladakh-based activist since his latest protest began.
First Bengal solidarity protest for Wangchuk
Holding placards and banners, the students said their demonstration was meant to amplify the voices of those fasting at Jantar Mantar. Alongside expressing support for Wangchuk, the protesters also raised demands for reforms in the education sector, including scrapping the National Testing Agency (NTA) and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Students back ongoing Jantar Mantar hungerstrike
The protest poster read: “One Day Symbolic Hunger Strike in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk and the fasting students at Jantar Mantar.” It also carried the slogans, “Scrap NTA” and “Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign.”
Protest demands education reforms across India
The students said the demonstration was not limited to Ladakh but was intended to reflect concerns over education policies affecting students across the country. They emphasised that the symbolic fast was a message of support for the students in Delhi who have been continuing their hunger strike.
Peaceful demonstration continues
The protest comes amid growing student mobilisation across India over education-related issues. By joining the movement through a symbolic fast, the Jadavpur University students sought to highlight what they described as the need for greater accountability, transparency, and dialogue in policymaking.
The demonstration remained peaceful, with students continuing the hunger strike throughout the day while reiterating their support for Sonam Wangchuk and the protesters at Jantar Mantar.
