Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike Sparks Gen Z Movement
Sonam Wangchuk is a famous activist from Ladakh, India.
He went on a hunger strike for three weeks to protest exam paper leaks that affected many students.
His protest has inspired young people, known as Gen Z, to demand changes.
He was taken to the hospital by police, but he says he is not a hero, just a regular person trying to make a difference.
Many people support him, including Bollywood actors.
He has worked on important issues like education and water conservation in Ladakh.
He even won a big award called the Ramon Magsaysay Award for his work.
His protest is about making the government more accountable and restoring trust in democracy.
Sonam Wangchuk, a 57-year-old activist from Ladakh, went on a hunger strike for three weeks over exam paper leaks.
His protest has inspired a Gen Z movement demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Wangchuk was forcibly taken to hospital by Delhi Police after his hunger strike.
He has received widespread support, including from Bollywood actors and young Indians.
Wangchuk is known for his work on education reform and water conservation in Ladakh, for which he won the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018.
- Who
- Sonam Wangchuk, an Indian social activist from Ladakh
- What
- A hunger strike in solidarity with protesting supporters of the youth Cockroach Janta Party
- When
- The hunger strike lasted for three weeks before he was moved to hospital
- Where
- Delhi's Jantar Mantar protest site
- Why
- To demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam paper leaks
Protesters
Government
Resignation of Education Minister
Protesters
Protesters demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam paper leaks.
Government
The government has not publicly responded to the demands for resignation.
- Name
- Sonam Wangchuk
- Age
- 57 (born in 1966)
- Occupation
- Social Activist
- Location
- Ladakh, India
- Cause
- Exam paper leaks and educational reforms
- Duration of Hunger Strike
- Three weeks
- Awards
- Ramon Magsaysay Award (2018)