Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday visited Rajghat with his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, shortly after being discharged from Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he had been undergoing treatment.
After paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, Wangchuk said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation was “just the beginning” and expressed hope that ongoing talks with the government would lead to lasting examination reforms.
‘Pradhan’s resignation is just the beginning’
Speaking to reporters at Rajghat, Wangchuk said, “The resignation is just the beginning. If the issue is acknowledged and addressed from this point onward, our country will become a better place.” He added that discussions with the government were continuing and hoped they would result in an improved examination system.
Responding to the proposed Public Examinations Amendment Bill, Wangchuk welcomed the move, saying, “That is a good thing. Let there be a discussion, and let the appropriate measures be adopted after thorough deliberation.”
He also said no action should be taken against those participating in peaceful protests, describing peaceful protest as a constitutional right.
Shared video before leaving hospital
Before leaving Medanta Hospital, Wangchuk shared a video saying he would visit Rajghat after his discharge.
“I am being discharged from the hospital today. I will shortly head to Rajghat to pay my respects to Mahatma Gandhi,” he said.
He also thanked the doctors and staff at Medanta Hospital. According to hospital sources, his medical reports were normal and he was discharged after a final health assessment.
Hospitalised after 26-day hunger strike
Wangchuk joined the Cockroach Janta Party’s protest at Jantar Mantar on June 28, when he began an indefinite hunger strike in support of students protesting against the NEET-UG paper leak and alleged examination irregularities. He was initially admitted to Safdarjung Hospital before being shifted to Medanta Hospital.
Wangchuk released 4 videos from the hospital
July 22: First video in which he says, “I am still alive. I am ready to end the fast if I get assurance from the government that no action will be taken against the students.”
July 24: Second video, in which he announced the end of his 26-day fast and informed about the talks held with the Central Government and the written assurance.
July 25: Third video, in which he shared the events and experiences during his shift from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta.
July 27: Fourth video, stating that he was finally being discharged from the hospital and would be going to Rajghat to pay tribute to Gandhiji.
Wangchuk has also gone on a hunger strike over demands related to Ladakh
This wasn’t Sonam Wangchuk’s first hunger strike. In March 2024, he previously held a 21-day hunger strike demanding inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, full statehood, job security for local youth, and environmental protection. He then embarked on the “Delhi Chalo Padyatra” in September 2024, but was detained at the Delhi border.
In 2025, after violence broke out during a protest in Ladakh, authorities detained him under the National Security Act (NSA). In March 2026, the central government revoked his detention under the NSA and released him.
He has now embarked on a 26-day hunger strike to protest the NEET paper leak and demand exam reforms, ending it after receiving written assurances from the government on three key demands.
