- Sonam Wangchuk Rejects Hero Tag, Urges Nation to Stand With Students
New Delhi, July 11: Educator, innovator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has said that he does not consider himself a “modern Gandhi” or a hero, asserting that he is only an ordinary citizen trying to fulfil his responsibilities. His remarks came as the Cockroach Janta Party’s protest at Jantar Mantar against alleged examination irregularities entered its 22nd day, while Wangchuk completed the 14th day of his indefinite hunger strike on Saturday.
According to a health update shared by the protesting outfit, Wangchuk has lost 7.5 kg since beginning his fast. His blood pressure was recorded at 106/74 mm Hg. Despite signs of fatigue, Wangchuk said he remained committed to the ongoing agitation, which is being held in support of students seeking accountability over alleged examination irregularities and for an early resolution of issues concerning Ladakh.
In a video posted on X on Friday night, Wangchuk said his energy levels had dropped compared to the previous day, but described the physical fluctuations as a normal part of a prolonged fast.
“Today, on the 13th day of my fast, I am not feeling as energetic as I was yesterday. I am feeling a little tired. It happens, some days are better and some are not,” he said.
Wangchuk thanked people for supporting the movement on social media, but said certain comments describing him as the “Gandhi of the 21st century” or a “modern Gandhi” made him uncomfortable. He said such labels were unnecessary and misplaced.
“Many people call me the Gandhi of the 21st century or a modern Gandhi. Others call me a hero. These comments make me uncomfortable. I am neither Gandhi nor a hero. I am just an ordinary citizen who has tried to fulfil his responsibilities,” Wangchuk said.
He urged citizens not to search for heroes outside themselves, but to take responsibility for public issues and act according to their conscience. He said democracy becomes meaningful only when citizens participate actively rather than waiting for individuals to lead every struggle.
“Please do not look for a hero in someone else. Be the hero of your own life. Fulfil your responsibilities as a citizen,” he said.
Referring to student suicides that the CJP has linked to alleged examination irregularities, Wangchuk appealed to people to join the movement with empathy and urgency. He said citizens should not wait for tragedy to touch their own homes before raising their voices.
“If one of those students had been your sister or daughter, you would have joined us. But do not wait for that. If you cannot come here every day, join us at least for one day at Jantar Mantar. If you cannot come to Delhi, observe a fast wherever you are and share your message,” he said.
Wangchuk also renewed his appeal for public participation in the proposed march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session. The march, according to the protesting group, is aimed at urging Members of Parliament to take up the issues raised by students and protesters.
“Like us, you do not have to remain hungry for 24 days. Come after having your meal. But take responsibility as citizens and join us on July 20,” Wangchuk said.
On Friday, Wangchuk had said that his hunger had “stabilised” after the initial days of the fast. He maintained that he was continuing the fast voluntarily and that any attempt to remove him from the protest site would violate his constitutional right to hold a peaceful protest.
“I am here willingly and there is no threat to my life. If they remove me, it will be a violation of our rights,” he said.
The CJP has been demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide over alleged examination irregularities. The outfit has also called for accountability and corrective measures to restore confidence in the examination system.
The protest at Jantar Mantar began on June 20, while Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike since then. His participation has brought wider public attention to the movement, even as he continues to insist that the struggle should not be reduced to one individual.