Sonam Wangchuk To Be Discharged From Medanta Today (Img: X)
New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk is expected to be discharged from Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on Monday, marking the end of his medical treatment following a 26-day hunger strike over the paper leak issue. His fast concluded on July 24 after the Centre accepted his key demands, bringing an end to one of the most closely watched public protests in recent months.
Wangchuk had been admitted to the hospital after his health deteriorated during the prolonged fast. He ended the protest in the presence of Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, who offered him juice to formally conclude the fast.
Also Read: Victory Of Democracy: Sonam Wangchuk’s Response On Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation
Soon after leaving the hospital, Wangchuk is scheduled to visit Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. The visit carries symbolic significance, as he had also paid homage at the memorial on June 28 before beginning his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
Following the tribute, Wangchuk is expected to travel back to his home in Ladakh, bringing his stay in the National Capital Region to a close.
Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 in support of students protesting against the alleged paper leak and demanding reforms in the examination system. As his health worsened, Delhi Police shifted him from the protest site to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18. He was later transferred to Medanta Hospital after directions from the Delhi High Court for specialised medical care.
The activist eventually ended his fast after discussions with the government and said the decision was taken to avoid further unrest while acknowledging progress on the protesters' demands.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which led the 36-day agitation at Jantar Mantar, called off its protest after the Centre accepted several demands. During the movement, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, while the government also announced a high-powered task force under Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to recommend examination reforms.
Reacting to the outcome, Wangchuk described the development as "a victory of democracy" and praised the determination of students and young people who participated in the movement.
With his discharge from hospital and return to Ladakh, Wangchuk's role in the protest enters a new phase, even as the broader conversation on examination reforms continues.
