Actor Naseeruddin Shah, alongside fellow actor Ratna Pathak Shah, author Arundhati Roy, and economist Jayati Ghosh, has made a public appeal for educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to cease his indefinite hunger strike. The appeal comes as Wangchuk enters the seventeenth day of his fast at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, which is part of a broader protest against the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.

These advocates expressed their gratitude in a joint statement issued on Monday, acknowledging Wangchuk’s commitment and the endurance of the protest. They voiced significant concern regarding the health of Wangchuk and his fellow demonstrators, emphasising the potential consequences of their prolonged fasting.

The statement also highlighted their appreciation for Wangchuk’s leadership, stating, “We salute your sense of purpose, the determination and courage with which you are spearheading this movement for students and youth across the country.” They stressed the importance of Wangchuk’s presence for the ongoing struggle ahead, urging him to reconsider the hunger strike for the sake of his health and the integrity of the activism.

Concerns Over Government Response

The signatories articulated their worries regarding the government’s silence concerning the protesters’ demands. They lamented that neglecting these concerns could exacerbate the already fragile health conditions prevalent among the strikers. The appeal stressed the urgency of responsive action from authorities to ensure the wellbeing of the participants in the protest.

Wangchuk’s demonstrations are being coordinated by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is clamouring for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in light of the alleged examination paper leak. The protesters have expressed their demand for Rs 1 crore compensation for families of students who reportedly died by suicide following the alleged leaks.

On July 20, the protesters have scheduled a peaceful march to Parliament, coinciding with the commencement of the Monsoon Session. The collective actions have garnered considerable attention from various political leaders, highlighting the significance of the movement within the socio-political landscape.

Support from Fellow Actors

Actor Omi Vaidya, known for his role in the film ‘3 Idiots’, has also voiced his support for Wangchuk. He shared a poignant video on Instagram titled “I don’t want Phunsukh Wangdu to die”, directly linked to Wangchuk’s life, which inspired the character in the film. In his remarks, Vaidya described his admiration for Wangchuk as both interesting and humble.

Vaidya encouraged people to delve deeper into Wangchuk’s cause, urging them to consider the relevance of the issues raised, as many could relate personally. He noted the critical situation regarding Wangchuk’s health, particularly a significant drop in his blood sugar levels during the hunger strike, reinforcing the urgency for action.

He appealed for support that transcends political or ideological divides, portraying Wangchuk as an impressive individual deserving of attention and care. Vaidya expressed hope that Wangchuk would complete this ordeal successfully, urging the public to empathise with the pressing issues surrounding the protest.

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