Climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk has announced that he will begin an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar from June 27, demanding accountability for what protesters describe as repeated failures in India’s education and examination system. Wangchuk will be joined by members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led digital protest group that has been campaigning for reforms in the sector.
The protest centres on the CJP’s demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The group alleges that the ministry has failed to effectively address issues such as examination irregularities, paper leaks and the growing pressure faced by students appearing for competitive examinations.
Focus on Exam Irregularities and Student Distress
According to the organisers, the movement seeks to draw national attention to concerns surrounding the credibility of examinations and the mental health challenges faced by students. Protesters have highlighted cases of alleged paper leaks, disruptions in recruitment and entrance tests, and the increasing number of student suicides linked to academic pressure.
Wangchuk stated that the hunger strike would be “endless,” indicating that it may continue until the group’s demands receive a response from the government. The announcement marks an escalation in the campaign for education reforms and greater accountability within the examination system.
Earlier Demonstration Drew Public Attention
The activist had earlier joined a CJP-led protest at Jantar Mantar on June 6, where demonstrators gathered carrying thalis and raising slogans demanding action from the Education Ministry. The protest was permitted by Delhi Police for limited hours and attracted students, activists and supporters from different parts of the country.
During the demonstration, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke addressed participants and reiterated the group’s demands for systemic reforms and transparency in the conduct of examinations.
Warning of Escalation Before Latest Announcement
Prior to the June 6 protest, Wangchuk had warned that he would undertake a 42-day hunger strike if CJP members or organisers were arrested. He argued that the issue extended beyond individual examinations and concerned the future of millions of students and the credibility of India’s education system.
With the indefinite fast set to begin on June 27, the protest is expected to intensify the national conversation around examination reforms, student welfare and political accountability in the education sector.