Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk at CJP protest (PTI photo)
NEW DELHI: Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has rejected being labelled a “modern Gandhi” or a hero, saying he is “just an ordinary citizen” and urging people to take responsibility for their own lives instead of looking for someone else to lead.Wangchuk made the remarks as the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over examination irregularities entered its 22nd day on Saturday. His indefinite hunger strike, which began on June 28, entered its 14th day.According to a health update shared by the outfit, Wangchuk has lost 7.5 kg since beginning the fast. His blood pressure was recorded at 106/74 mm Hg.In a video posted on X on Friday night, Wangchuk said he was feeling less energetic than the previous day but remained determined to continue the agitation.”Today, on the 13th day of my fast, I am not feeling as energetic as I was yesterday. I am feeling a little tired. It happens — some days are better and some are not,” he said.Thanking supporters for amplifying the movement on social media, Wangchuk said there were two kinds of comments that made him uncomfortable.”Many people call me the Gandhi of the 21st century or a modern Gandhi. Others call me a hero. These comments make me uncomfortable. I am neither Gandhi nor a hero. I am just an ordinary citizen who has tried to fulfil his responsibilities,” he said. Appealing to people to take ownership of the movement, he added, “Please don’t look for a hero in someone else. Be the hero of your own life. Fulfil your responsibilities as a citizen.”Referring to the student suicides that the CJP has linked to alleged examination irregularities, Wangchuk urged citizens not to remain silent spectators.”If one of those students had been your sister or daughter, you would have joined us. But don’t wait for that. If you can’t come here every day, join us at least for one day at Jantar Mantar. If you can’t come to Delhi, observe a fast wherever you are and share your message,” he said.He also renewed his appeal for people to join the proposed march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session, to press lawmakers to take up the protesters’ demands.”Like us, you don’t have to remain hungry for 24 days. Come after having your meal. But take responsibility as citizens and join us on July 20,” he said.A day earlier, Wangchuk had said his hunger had “stabilised” after the initial days of fasting and asserted that any attempt to remove him from the protest site would violate his constitutional right to peaceful protest. “I am here willingly and there is no threat to my life. If they remove me, it will be a violation of our rights,” he said, adding that he would continue his fast in support of students seeking accountability over the alleged examination irregularities and for an early resolution of issues concerning Ladakh.The CJP has been demanding the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide over the alleged examination irregularities. The group has also announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20.The protest began on June 20, with Wangchuk joining eight days later. He has remained on an indefinite hunger strike ever since. Go to Source
