New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on Thursday night at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, taking his first sip of soup after more than three weeks without food. Surrounded by Union ministers, family members, doctors, and supporters, Wangchuk broke his fast after the Centre formally assured him that it would positively consider several key demands linked to the ongoing student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak.
His first words after ending the fast captured the moment.
“Hunger tastes better,” Wangchuk said before taking a sip of soup.
He later explained that while the soup tasted good, hunger “doesn’t taste bad” either.
Government Reads Out Written Assurances
A nearly seven-minute video released after the event showed Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr Jitendra Singh, senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh, doctors, and Wangchuk’s family gathered around his hospital bed.
Reading out the Centre’s written assurances, JP Nadda said:
“The government is positive about not registering cases against those protesting peacefully at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and those participating in the march to the Parliament on July 20, 2026. The government has already assured its discussions to find solutions to paper leaks and educational reforms for exams in the Parliament. Besides, the government is also positively considering suitable compensation for the suicide victims of recent NEET paper leaks.”
After hearing the assurances, Wangchuk held the hands of JP Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh and said:
“I’m grateful and happy to break my fast. Thank you.”
Appeal For Peaceful Protests
After ending his fast, Wangchuk appealed to students and protesters to continue their movement peacefully.
“I’m touched and grateful to the government, and I want to appeal to the protesting students to maintain utmost peace. To express their feelings is a legitimate thing, but I do not approve of violence of any kind, and allowing any anti-social elements to take advantage of this is not acceptable to me.”
He also expressed gratitude to his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, who remained by his side throughout the protest and his hospitalisation.
“Gitanjali has always been by my side. I don’t want to thank you but express my feelings.”
Hunger Strike Began On June 28
Wangchuk had launched his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy and seeking reforms in the examination system.
As his health deteriorated, he was shifted from the protest site to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18 after doctors warned of serious medical complications.
His wife subsequently approached the Delhi High Court, alleging negligence at the government-run hospital. Following two days of hearings, the court allowed Wangchuk to be transferred to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he eventually ended his fast.
PM Modi Wishes Wangchuk A Speedy Recovery
Following the end of the hunger strike, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Wangchuk to prioritise his health and follow doctors’ advice.
“I urge Sonam ji to follow the doctors’ advice in his daily routine and regain his old weight as soon as possible. I pray to the Almighty for his good health.”
The Centre’s assurances and Wangchuk’s decision to end his fast are expected to pave the way for dialogue between the government and student representatives as protests over the alleged examination irregularities continue.