Support swells for Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite fast

Support for Sonam Wangchuk has grown significantly following his indefinite hunger strike, which began earlier this year in response to allegations of a major breach in the NEET-2026 exam process. On Friday, members of various civil society groups gathered in Visakhapatnam to show their solidarity with Wangchuk, an educator and environmentalist known for his advocacy on educational reform and sustainable practices. The demonstrations took place near the Gandhi statue and included calls for the protection of student rights and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protests were organized by the All India Save Education Committee (AISEC) and other local organizations, each holding separate events to highlight concerns related to the alleged NEET-2026 paper leak. Participants raised slogans and held placards, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in the administration of national-level entrance exams. These gatherings marked a significant escalation in public pressure on the government regarding the ongoing controversy. AISEC leaders addressed the crowd, urging the Central government to take immediate action in response to Wangchuk’s fast and to investigate the claims of examination irregularities. N. Chandrasekhar, the AISEC State adviser, stated that the incident had created widespread anxiety among students and their families. He criticized the operations of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and called for the government to engage in discussions with Wangchuk while ensuring his well-being. S. Govinda Raju, the AISEC State vice-president, pointed to systemic issues within the Indian education framework, suggesting that the frequent problems with national entrance exams stem from excessive commercialization and centralized control. He argued that dissolving the NTA would be necessary and insisted that the Union Education Minister should resign due to his perceived failure to prevent such incidents. Representatives from other civil society groups joined the call for action, expressing deep concern over Wangchuk’s health condition. Sevika, representing Jana Vignana Vedika, noted that Wangchuk’s fast had reached its 20th day and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to step in and resolve the situation. Meanwhile, Attili Vimala, president of the Andhra Pradesh Mahila Samakhya, and Neyyila Naga Bhushana Rao, president of the Andhra Pradesh Matsya Karmika Sangham, emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue before it worsened. The demonstrations highlighted growing frustration with the handling of critical educational processes and underscored the demand for greater transparency and accountability. Civil society groups have been increasingly vocal in recent months, with similar protests taking place in multiple cities across the country. Their collective message was clear: the government must act decisively to address the concerns raised by Wangchuk and others, ensuring that the integrity of national examinations is upheld. Wangchuk’s hunger strike has drawn attention not only from educators and activists but also from students and parents who feel the impact of these issues firsthand. His actions have become symbolic of broader discontent with the current state of the education system and the perceived lack of responsiveness from political leadership. As the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on whether the government will heed these calls for change. The demonstrations in Visakhapatnam represent a continuation of nationwide efforts to push for reforms and justice in the wake of the alleged NEET-2026 paper leak. With each passing day, the pressure on authorities intensifies, reflecting the deepening divide between public expectations and governmental responses.