Our Bureau
New Delhi
Climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk on Monday visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi shortly after being discharged from Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, marking his first public appearance since ending his 26-day hunger strike. The visit came as he prepared to return to his home in Ladakh following weeks of nationwide student-led protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
Addressing supporters and the media at Rajghat, Wangchuk said the movement’s success demonstrated that lasting change could be achieved through peace rather than violence. He credited Gandhian principles of non-violence and perseverance for inspiring the campaign and congratulated young protesters for sustaining the agitation with discipline and hope. “It does not end in darkness,” he said, urging the youth to continue believing in peaceful democratic action.
Wangchuk had been admitted to Medanta Hospital after being shifted from Safdarjung Hospital following a Delhi High Court order. His health had deteriorated during the indefinite fast, which he began on June 28 in support of students demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities and broader reforms in the education system. Doctors confirmed he was discharged in stable condition after nearly a week of treatment.
Before leaving the hospital, Wangchuk thanked the medical team and supporters from across the country for standing by him during his recovery. He said visiting Rajghat before returning to Ladakh was a symbolic gesture to reaffirm his faith in Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of peaceful resistance.
The protest movement, which lasted 36 days, concluded after significant political developments, including the resignation of the Union Education Minister. While Wangchuk has ended his fast and is returning home, he indicated that the broader pursuit of transparency, accountability and reforms in the education system must continue through peaceful public participation.