As Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike enters its 19th day, his body has already lost several kilos, and his health is continuing to deteriorate, having reached a critical condition. This protest started on 28th June in solidarity with the Gen Z-led Cockroach Janta Party, which is demanding accountability from the government over widespread exam paper leaks that affected the lives of millions of students across India. Mr Wangchuk demands accountability from the government by seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, but so far there has been no official message or intention of dialogue from the government to mitigate the situation. Many celebrities have come to support the Wangchuk endeavour while also requesting him to call off the hunger strike, as his life is very valuable to the nation.
Anurag Kashyap
The director, writer and actor Anurag Kashyap is known for his unique films, and his continuous stand against social and political issues has extended his support to Mr Wangchuk and the CJP protest through a story on Instagram. He showed disappointment at the indifferent behaviour of the government on the matter and praised the courage of Sonam Wangchuk in taking such a brave step.
Omi Vaidya
The actor Omi Vaidya is famously known for his character Chatur Ramalingam, also known as Silencer, in the acclaimed movie 3 Idiots, whose protagonist Phunsukh Wangdu was inspired by the engineer and social reformer Sonam Wangchuk. He took to Instagram to showcase his concern about Mr Wangchuk's health and urged viewers to pay attention to the matter, describing him as a very humble and great person whom he does not want to see harmed.
Soni Razdan
Actor and director Soni Razdan posted a message on Instagram for Sonam Wangchuk, in which she expressed concern about his deteriorating health and urged him to call off the hunger strike and continue to live for the fights that still lie ahead.
Abhay Deol
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara actor Abhay Deol is among the celebrities who extended support to Sonam Wangchuk. Unlike others, he posted a picture of his dire condition on Instagram with a heartbreak emoji in the caption, conveying the worry and sorrow he felt upon seeing the sight.
Vir Das
Comedian and actor Vir Das posted a cryptic message on his Instagram, in which he wrote about people being complacent and indifferent about grave matters, using privilege as an excuse for not taking a stand and maintaining an apolitical ideology. While Vir Das did not name Sonam Wangchuk directly, many interpreted the post as a reflection of his disappointment with the public's silence on the ongoing protest.
Sonakshi Sinha
The Bollywood actress known for her unapologetic personality and outspoken nature came out in support of the Sonam Wangchuk and CJP protest. Praising and admiring the action, she talks about the noble intent of this protest that only seeks betterment of the country while also worrying about lack of support and unhinged government behaviour toward the grave matter.
A Man Too Important to Lose
As Day 19 passes without any word from the government, what is becoming increasingly clear is the cost of this silence — not just to Sonam Wangchuk's body, but to the idea that peaceful, principled protest still has a place in Indian public life. The man fasting at Jantar Mantar is not a politician seeking power or an activist chasing attention. He is an engineer who built artificial glaciers to give water to farmers, a teacher who rebuilt an education system that had failed an entire generation, and a citizen who believes that accountability is not too much to ask of those in power. The celebrities who have spoken are right — his life is invaluable. But the loudest statement would not come from them. It would come from the government choosing, finally, to respond.
