Indian education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended a 26-day hunger strike undertaken in support of a youth-led protest movement demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over repeated exam paper leaks. Wangchuk said he halted his fast “in view of possible violence,” according to Al Jazeera.
The prominent campaigner, known for his environmental and education advocacy, indicated that his decision was driven by a desire to prevent the situation from escalating, the BBC reported. His fast had become a focal point for demonstrators frustrated by the recurring compromise of examination integrity across the country.
The protest movement, largely composed of students and young people, has refused to back down, insisting that Pradhan step down before demonstrations subside. Al Jazeera reported that protesters remain firm in their demand for the minister’s resignation, framing the leaks as a systemic failure that has undermined confidence in the education system.
Exam paper leaks have emerged as a politically charged issue in India, affecting millions of students who compete for coveted university placements and government positions through high-stakes national examinations. Critics argue that the breaches disproportionately harm candidates who prepare honestly, while eroding trust in institutions meant to ensure fair access to opportunity.
Wangchuk’s involvement lent significant visibility to the cause. His extended fast drew national attention to the demands of the youth-led movement, positioning him as a bridge between grassroots protesters and broader public discourse on educational accountability.
The movement raises broader questions about whether sustained youth activism can translate into lasting policy change. Analysts suggest that while such mobilisations can generate momentum, converting street-level pressure into structural reform often depends on the government’s willingness to engage with protesters’ demands.
As of reporting, the Education Ministry had not announced any change in Pradhan’s position. The coming weeks are expected to test whether the movement can maintain its cohesion and pressure without Wangchuk’s fast at its centre, and whether authorities will move to address the underlying grievances over examination security.