Zeenat Aman's passionate appeal to government over Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike
Zeenat Aman backed Sonam Wangchuk as his indefinite hunger strike in Delhi entered its 17th day. She urged the government to open dialogue, saying peaceful protest must be met with peaceful dialogue.
Veteran actor Zeenat Aman has voiced support for educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, urging the government to respond to his protest through dialogue. In an Instagram post shared with a photograph of Wangchuk, Aman said her thoughts were with him in Delhi, where, she wrote, he was entering the 17th day of his indefinite hunger strike.
The 74-year-old actor referred to reports on Wangchuk's health and repeated his appeal for talks with the government. Her post comes amid growing support for Wangchuk from public figures, as concerns continue over his condition at Jantar Mantar.
Sharing her message on Instagram, Aman wrote, "My thoughts today are in the country's capital city where @wangchuksworld is entering the 17th day of his indefinite hunger strike." She added that she had read in a news report that Wangchuk "has started losing muscle mass and is in immense pain". Aman also recalled that when he was asked to end his fast, he said, "Don't ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they won't even have a dialogue."
In her post, Aman described Wangchuk as the founder of SECMOL, the inventor of the ice stupa, a force behind educational reform in Ladakh, and a dedicated environmental and community activist. She also noted that he inspired the character Phunsuk Wangdu in 3 Idiots, played by Aamir Khan. Aman said he had been recognised globally for his social impact with many awards.
Appealing to the government, Aman wrote, "With respect to Mr. Wangchuk's wishes, I implore the Indian government to open dialogue on this matter that concerns the future of all India." She added, "We must not become a society that sits back and watches one of its greatest minds be sacrificed. India has a long history of peaceful protest; those who wield power are obliged to meet such protest with peaceful dialogue." She ended her note by saying, "My respect and best wishes to all."
Aman is not the only public figure to back Wangchuk. Actor Omi Vaidya, known for playing Chatur in 3 Idiots, also shared a video in support of him. In the clip, Vaidya said, "I don't want Phunsukh Wangdu to die," before asking viewers to pay attention to Wangchuk's health and the issues linked to his protest. He said Aamir Khan's character from 3 Idiots was based on Wangchuk and described him as a humble and impressive person. His post has gone viral.
The Cockroach Janta Party, which is leading the protest, has claimed that Wangchuk has lost nearly 9 kg since beginning his fast and that his health has worsened. The group has been protesting over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and has demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan along with Rs 1 crore in compensation for the families of aspirants who allegedly died by suicide following the controversy.
The protest began on June 20, and Wangchuk joined it on June 28. The organisation has also announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session.
Veteran actor Zeenat Aman has voiced support for educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, urging the government to respond to his protest through dialogue. In an Instagram post shared with a photograph of Wangchuk, Aman said her thoughts were with him in Delhi, where, she wrote, he was entering the 17th day of his indefinite hunger strike.
The 74-year-old actor referred to reports on Wangchuk's health and repeated his appeal for talks with the government. Her post comes amid growing support for Wangchuk from public figures, as concerns continue over his condition at Jantar Mantar.
Sharing her message on Instagram, Aman wrote, "My thoughts today are in the country's capital city where @wangchuksworld is entering the 17th day of his indefinite hunger strike." She added that she had read in a news report that Wangchuk "has started losing muscle mass and is in immense pain". Aman also recalled that when he was asked to end his fast, he said, "Don't ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they won't even have a dialogue."
In her post, Aman described Wangchuk as the founder of SECMOL, the inventor of the ice stupa, a force behind educational reform in Ladakh, and a dedicated environmental and community activist. She also noted that he inspired the character Phunsuk Wangdu in 3 Idiots, played by Aamir Khan. Aman said he had been recognised globally for his social impact with many awards.
Appealing to the government, Aman wrote, "With respect to Mr. Wangchuk's wishes, I implore the Indian government to open dialogue on this matter that concerns the future of all India." She added, "We must not become a society that sits back and watches one of its greatest minds be sacrificed. India has a long history of peaceful protest; those who wield power are obliged to meet such protest with peaceful dialogue." She ended her note by saying, "My respect and best wishes to all."
Aman is not the only public figure to back Wangchuk. Actor Omi Vaidya, known for playing Chatur in 3 Idiots, also shared a video in support of him. In the clip, Vaidya said, "I don't want Phunsukh Wangdu to die," before asking viewers to pay attention to Wangchuk's health and the issues linked to his protest. He said Aamir Khan's character from 3 Idiots was based on Wangchuk and described him as a humble and impressive person. His post has gone viral.
The Cockroach Janta Party, which is leading the protest, has claimed that Wangchuk has lost nearly 9 kg since beginning his fast and that his health has worsened. The group has been protesting over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and has demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan along with Rs 1 crore in compensation for the families of aspirants who allegedly died by suicide following the controversy.
The protest began on June 20, and Wangchuk joined it on June 28. The organisation has also announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session.
