Actor Omi Vaidya Backs Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike At Jantar Mantar
On Monday, actor Omi Vaidya voiced his support for education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, urging the public to rally behind the cause as the fast entered its 17th day. Vaidya highlighted Wangchuk’s deteriorating health and called for urgent attention to the protest, which is demanding accountability over national-level examination irregularities.
Vaidya, widely known for his role as Chatur Ramalingam in the movie 3 Idiots, shared a video message on social media. In the video, he invoked Wangchuk’s connection to the film, noting that the activist served as the real-life inspiration for Aamir Khan’s character, Rancho.
"I don't want Funsukh Wangdu to die," Vaidya said in his message. He urged people to pay attention to the protest, pointing out that Wangchuk has spent years working for education, innovation, and the future of youth.
According to protest organisers, Wangchuk’s health has continued to decline during the fast. He has lost 8.5 kilograms, and his blood pressure was recently recorded at 109/70 mmHg. Vaidya expressed concern over Wangchuk's low blood sugar levels and questioned whether the situation was receiving adequate media coverage.
Wangchuk joined the Cockroach Janta Party’s protest at Jantar Mantar on June 28 and began his indefinite fast. Monday marked the 25th day of the overall agitation, which seeks the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in national-level examinations.
The activist has received support from several other prominent figures. Recently, a group of eminent personalities—including writer Arundhati Roy, actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, and economist Jayati Ghosh—released a joint statement. While extending support to the demands, they urged Wangchuk and other protesters to call off their fast to preserve their health, describing the movement as "a marathon, not a sprint."
The protest organisers have announced plans to conduct a march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the start of the monsoon session.
