Indian social activist Sonam Wangchuk, known for his work in education reform and environmental initiatives in the Himalayan region of Ladakh, has emerged as a leading figure in a Gen Z-led protest movement demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over widespread exam paper leaks. The issue has mobilized millions of students and intensified pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
Wangchuk, who is approaching 60 years old, began a hunger strike nearly three weeks ago in solidarity with supporters of the youth political group Cockroach Janta Party. The strike, which he continued until police intervened and moved him to a hospital in Delhi over the weekend, drew extensive national attention and increased support across India, including messages from prominent Bollywood actors. Despite comparisons by some observers to Mahatma Gandhi, Wangchuk described himself as an ordinary citizen taking responsibility rather than a heroic figure.
Widely respected in his home region of Ladakh, Wangchuk has gained recognition for his innovative environmental projects, particularly the development of "ice stupas" — artificial glaciers designed to provide irrigation water through seasonal melting. He also founded the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh and has campaigned for greater autonomy for the federally administered territory. His work earned him the 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Award, often referred to as Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize.
Born in 1966 in the village of Ulaytokpo, Wangchuk’s early career included providing free coaching in essential subjects while he was a student at the National Institute of Technology in Kashmir. He has been a vocal advocate for education and environmental protection and was detained for nearly six months in 2025 following protests related to Ladakh’s political status, though he denied inciting violence.
Wangchuk’s father, Sonam Wangyal, previously served as a minister in the former state of Jammu and Kashmir, and Manoj’s hunger strikes have previously drawn intervention from national leaders, including former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Wangchuk is married to Gitanjali J. Angmo, an education professional.
Through his current fast, he has demanded Pradhan’s resignation, which Wangchuk and his supporters see as crucial for restoring trust and accountability in the education system and democracy at large. He warned that his hunger strike could continue for up to six weeks or until death unless the government responds, expressing hope that a democratic administration would acknowledge the grievances and take appropriate action.
The Education Minister has not responded to requests for comment. Meanwhile, Wangchuk remains hospitalized under police supervision in Delhi as demonstrations linked to the examination scandal persist.