Sonam Wangchuk Protest Sees Growing Support Through Petitions And Social Media

An indefinite hunger strike by Ladakhi educator and innovator Sonam Wangchuk has triggered a major online mobilisation campaign, with more than 2.5 lakh people signing petitions in support of his demands. Wangchuk, who began his protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on June 28, has been seeking action over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in competitive examinations, along with other concerns related to education reforms. The campaign has gained significant attention both online and on social media platforms.

Wangchuk was taken to a hospital by Delhi Police on July 18, the 21st day of his hunger strike, as concerns grew over his health condition. His supporters turned to online petition platform Change.org to express solidarity and press for government engagement. Since July 13, at least 51 petitions supporting Wangchuk and his demands have been launched, with a significant number created after the Delhi High Court directed authorities to take necessary steps to protect his life.

According to available online data, the petitions had collectively received more than 257,000 signatures by July 17. The campaigns include demands for dialogue between Wangchuk and the government, calls for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and requests for stronger measures to prevent examination paper leaks. Online petitions have increasingly become a tool for citizens to highlight public issues and gather support for causes they believe require attention.

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The protest has also generated widespread discussion on social media platform X. Data from social listening platform Talkwalker indicated that more than 6.3 lakh posts mentioning Sonam Wangchuk were published between July 11 and July 17, generating over 8.3 million engagements through likes, reposts, replies, and bookmarks. Discussions focused on Wangchuk's health, examination reforms, paper leaks, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and reactions from political leaders.

Public interest in Wangchuk has also increased significantly on Google, with search activity rising after updates and images from his protest site circulated online. Google Trends data showed that searches for Sonam Wangchuk exceeded searches for the commonly searched term "Weather today" on July 15 and July 16. Users mainly searched for information about his protest, his background, and his connection with the character that inspired Aamir Khan's role in the film "3 Idiots."

Wangchuk has announced plans to lead a march towards Parliament to continue pressing for his demands. The 59-year-old engineer has reportedly lost more than 8.5 kg during the hunger strike and is currently receiving medical care in Delhi. He has said he intends to continue the protest until there is a response from the government, while supporters have been encouraged to participate in a planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar on July 20.

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