“Hunger Tastes Better”: Sonam Wangchuk Sips Soup After Ending 26-Day Fast

Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike at Medanta Hospital after receiving assurances from ministers. He took his first sip of soup while doctors, family members, supporters, and leaders surrounded him.

“Hunger tastes better,” Wangchuk said after tasting soup, adding that hunger itself did not taste bad. A nearly seven-minute video captured the emotional moment as Wangchuk sat upright inside his hospital room. Union Minister JP Nadda read government assurances before Wangchuk agreed to end his prolonged hunger strike. Nadda promised peaceful protesters would likely avoid cases after demonstrations at Jantar Mantar and Parliament. He highlighted parliamentary discussions addressing paper leaks, examination reforms, and compensation for NEET leak victims. Wangchuk thanked Nadda and Jitendra Singh while holding their hands and expressing gratitude for assurances.

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Wangchuk Urges Peace, Ends Fast and Focuses on Recovery

He urged protesting students to maintain peace and rejected violence or exploitation by anti-social elements entirely. Wangchuk said students could legitimately express feelings but must prevent disruptive forces from exploiting protests. He then turned toward his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, and expressed deep appreciation for her constant support. Wangchuk said Gitanjali had always stood beside him and deserved emotional gratitude rather than formal thanks. The activist began fasting June 28 at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.

He demanded accountability over alleged NEET paper leaks and sought stronger reforms addressing examination irregularities nationwide. Doctors removed Wangchuk from the protest site July 18 after warning that his health had deteriorated. Authorities transferred him to Safdarjung Hospital, where concerns about his treatment later prompted legal action. Gitanjali approached the Delhi High Court, alleging negligence at the government-run facility treating Wangchuk. After two hearings, the court permitted Wangchuk’s transfer to Gurugram’s Medanta Hospital for specialized treatment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the fast’s conclusion and urged Wangchuk to follow medical advice carefully. Modi prayed for Wangchuk’s recovery and encouraged him to regain his previous weight gradually.

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