Sonam Wangchuk discharged from Medanta Hospital, to visit Rajghat before Ladakh return
Synopsis
After a 26-day hunger strike and a hospital stay at Medanta Gurugram, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is back on his feet — and heading to Rajghat before returning to Ladakh. His recovery comes as he claimed a symbolic win with the resignation of the Union Education Minister over the NEET paper leak, which he called a 'victory for democracy.'
Key Takeaways
Sonam Wangchuk was discharged from Medanta Hospital, Gurugram on 27 July after recovering from illness linked to a 26-day hunger strike .
Wangchuk announced via a post on X that he will visit Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi before returning to Ladakh .
He welcomed the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET question paper leak , calling it a ‘victory for democracy.’ Wangchuk urged the Centre to focus on reforms in education and governance in the wake of the NEET controversy.
He congratulated student protesters and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) volunteers for raising the NEET issue and maintaining peace during demonstrations.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was discharged from Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on Monday, 27 July, after recovering from a prolonged illness that followed a 26-day hunger strike. In a post on X, Wangchuk announced he would first visit Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi before heading back to his home in Ladakh.
Wangchuk's Discharge Announcement
Sharing the news on X, Wangchuk wrote: “AND FINALLY…I’m being discharged from the hospital. Will be going to Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and then back to the mountains.” He also extended a “BIG THANK YOU to the wonderful team of doctors and staff at Medanta Hospital Gurgaon.”
In a separate video message, Wangchuk said: “I am getting discharged from the hospital today. I have started eating again and am recovering well. Before returning to my home in Ladakh, I will visit Rajghat to pay my tributes to Bapu.” He thanked everyone who sent him recovery wishes during his hospitalisation.
Context: The Hunger Strike and Hospitalisation
Wangchuk had undertaken a 26-day hunger strike before being admitted for medical treatment. His fast was part of a broader campaign drawing attention to issues of governance and democratic accountability. His discharge marks the end of what had been a closely watched period of political activism combined with a health crisis.
Wangchuk on NEET Controversy and Education Reforms
Days before his discharge, Wangchuk had welcomed the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the leak of NEET question papers, calling it a “victory for democracy” in the wake of widespread student protests across India.
Speaking to reporters after Pradhan stepped down, Wangchuk called on the Centre to prioritise reforms in both the education system and governance structures. “I congratulate all my fellow countrymen; this is a victory for democracy that we witnessed today,” he said, urging young people to continue safeguarding democratic values.
Tribute to Student Protesters
Wangchuk also paid tribute to the students and volunteers who led the protest movement against the NEET paper leak. “I want to congratulate the youth of the country and thank our Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) team and brothers and sisters who raised this issue first, as well as the volunteers who supported them,” he said. He specifically acknowledged the peaceful manner in which the demonstrations were conducted, adding: “I honour all the students, youth, and elders from across the country who stood up for democracy. And most importantly, the way they maintained peace where these protests were taking place.”
With his health restored, Wangchuk is expected to return to Ladakh and resume his advocacy work, with the Rajghat visit signalling a symbolic recommitment to Gandhian principles of peaceful protest.
Point of View
Even in an era of social media activism. His pivot from health crisis to democratic commentary — welcoming Pradhan's resignation and crediting student protesters — is a calculated move to consolidate moral authority. What mainstream coverage often misses is the organisational infrastructure behind this: the CJP network he references is a grassroots mobilisation effort that has been quietly building pressure on multiple fronts. Whether his return to Ladakh translates into sustained policy traction on the region's governance concerns remains the real test of this episode's political legacy.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Sonam Wangchuk hospitalised?
Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after falling ill following a 26-day hunger strike. He has since recovered and was discharged on 27 July.
Where is Sonam Wangchuk going after his discharge?
Wangchuk announced he will visit Rajghat in New Delhi to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi before returning to his home in Ladakh. He shared this plan in a post on X.
What did Sonam Wangchuk say about the NEET controversy?
Wangchuk welcomed the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET question paper leak, calling it a 'victory for democracy.' He urged the Centre to now focus on comprehensive reforms in education and governance.
Who is the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) that Wangchuk mentioned?
Wangchuk referred to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) as a team of volunteers and supporters who he credited with first raising the NEET paper leak issue. He thanked them alongside student protesters for their role in the democratic movement.
What is Sonam Wangchuk known for?
Sonam Wangchuk is a climate activist and innovator from Ladakh, widely known for his advocacy on environmental issues and the rights of the Ladakhi people. He has used hunger strikes and public campaigns to draw attention to governance and ecological concerns.
