The Teacher Who Inspired Millions ‘May Die in 2 Days’ as Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike Enters Day 18

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking urgent medical intervention for climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk, whose indefinite hunger strike entered its 18th day. The petition claims Wangchuk has lost around 8.5 kg and warns that he could lose his life within two days if immediate medical care is not provided.

PIL Seeks Immediate Medical Intervention for Sonam Wangchuk

The petition, filed by activist-lawyer Rakesh Kumar Saini, has asked the Delhi High Court to direct the Centre and the Delhi government to shift Sonam Wangchuk to a government hospital and, if required, begin medically supervised liquid nutrition to prevent his condition from deteriorating further.

The plea argues that preserving Wangchuk's life should be the highest priority, even if medical intervention has to be carried out against his wishes.

"If he passes away, it would be a matter of great shame for the country and the world," the petition states.

Educator Who Inspired Millions Now at the Centre of a Health Crisis

Sonam Wangchuk is widely known as an engineer, education reformer and environmental campaigner whose work in Ladakh has earned national and international recognition. His innovative approach to education inspired the fictional character of Phunsukh Wangdu in the Bollywood film ‘3 Idiots’, introducing his ideas to millions of Indians.

Today, the celebrated teacher and innovator is no longer making headlines for his educational reforms but for a hunger strike that, according to the petition, has pushed his health into a critical condition.

Petition Says Authorities Must Act to Protect Life

The PIL argues that while peaceful protest and hunger strikes are democratic rights, the State also has a constitutional duty to protect the life and health of every citizen.

It contends that allowing Wangchuk's condition to worsen without medical intervention would amount to a failure of that constitutional responsibility. The petition further alleges that the authorities have shown inadequate concern for his deteriorating health. The government has not publicly responded to the allegations made in the petition.

Sonam Wangchuk Has Lost Around 8.5 kg, Organisers Say

Wangchuk joined the indefinite hunger strike on 28 June after becoming part of protests organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in NEET and other competitive examinations.

CJP claims he has lost around 8.5 kg since the fast began, raising concerns about his health. The petition warns that his condition has deteriorated significantly and urges immediate judicial intervention.

Support Grows as Public Figures Appeal to End Fast

Several public figures have appealed to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike while expressing support for the issues he has raised. Among them are author Arundhati Roy, actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, and economist Jayati Ghosh.

The protest continues to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, including NEET.

Delhi High Court Hearing May Face Delay

The PIL has been filed with a request for urgent listing. However, it remains uncertain when the matter will be heard after the Delhi High Court Bar Association announced an abstention from work over the proposed enhancement of the pecuniary jurisdiction of district courts.

Growing Concern Over Sonam Wangchuk's Health

As concerns over Sonam Wangchuk's health continue to grow, attention is now focused on whether the Delhi High Court or the authorities will intervene before his condition worsens further.

For many Indians, Wangchuk is an educator whose work transformed classrooms, encouraged innovation and inspired generations to think differently. With his hunger strike entering its third week, the legal battle is no longer centred only on a protest, but on an urgent plea to save a life before it is too late.