As temperatures soared in Delhi on Monday, Indian climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's 16-day hunger strike has reached a critical point. The 59-year-old, who has devoted his life to innovative solutions for climate adaptation, is fighting for reform not just of India's education system but also of its governance and environmental policies.
According to a health bulletin released on Monday, Mr Wangchuk has lost 8.2kg since beginning his fast on 29 June, with alarmingly low blood sugar levels at 67 and a significant drop in blood pressure to 107/70. The weakening of the prominent educationist and activist has raised serious concerns among medical professionals and his supporters, who are now urging him to end the strike.
Mr Wangchuk's protest is part of a wider demonstration at Jantar Mantar, Delhi's well-known protest site, initiated by the 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP). The immediate demand is for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following the cancellation of a crucial entrance exam due to a paper leak in early May. Protesters argue that Mr Pradhan must take moral responsibility for the incident.
As the protest continues, British nationals travelling to India are advised by the UK Foreign Office to monitor local media for details of any planned demonstrations, which can become violent with little notice. The demonstration at Jantar Mantar has seen hundreds gather day and night in solidarity with Mr Wangchuk and the CJP, as temperatures reached 38C on Monday.
The international community will be watching Sonam Wangchuk's protest closely, particularly given his long-standing advocacy for climate adaptation in the Himalayan region of Ladakh. His work in developing artificial glaciers has garnered recognition worldwide, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, often considered Asia's highest honour. This latest protest underscores India's deep-seated issues and the determination of activists to demand change.