Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike at midnight on July 23, 2026 at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, following negotiations with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh.
Wangchuk broke the fast in the presence of government ministers and leaders from the Apex Body of Leh.
He had been on an indefinite fast since June 28 to support Cockroach Janta Party youth protesters demanding education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
By the time he ended the strike he had lost approximately 11 kg and was shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta on a Delhi High Court order.
The fast was called off after the Centre gave assurances that it would not pursue cases against peaceful protesters from the Jantar Mantar and Parliament marches. During his meeting with Nadda and Singh, the government also said it would positively consider compensation for families of students who died by suicide following NEET paper leaks and a meaningful discussion in Parliament on accountability for exam irregularities.
In his video message before ending the fast, Wangchuk said the decision was taken to ensure student safety and prevent possible violence in the country, and that he was breaking the fast with faith that the government had heard the aspirations of lakhs of young Indians. He also appealed to students at Jantar Mantar to halt the movement for now and enter dialogue with the government.
Student organizations have said that while Wangchuk’s personal hunger strike has ended, their wider movement for educational accountability will continue.
His wife Gitanjali and both the union ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh were present in a jubilant mode giving him and assurance letter.
