Sonam Wangchuk’s team thanked Sonakshi Sinha and Omi Vaidya for supporting his 20-day hunger strike, which was organized to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Imran Khan and other celebrities, including Zeenat Aman and Naseeruddin Shah, also expressed their support. The CJP’s protest at Jantar Mantar has entered its 28th day, ahead of the Parliament march on July 20.
Sonakshi Sinha and Omi Vaidya recently took to social media to express their solidarity with engineer-activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose hunger strike has now extended to its 20th day at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, and appealed to the government to open a dialogue with him.
In response, Wangchuk’s team left thank you comments on both actors’ posts, even as the 59-year-old teacher continued his strike.
Imran Khan, fans are also joining in support
Both posts received the same response: “Thank you for your solidarity. We really appreciate your support. With gratitude, Sonam Wangchuk’s office.” Actor Imran Khan, another vocal supporter of Wangchuk, left a comment on Sonakshi’s post, writing: “Love this girl. The real Sona, truly fearless.”
Many fans of Sonakshi and Omi also praised the actors for expressing their support.
Sonakshi’s emotional plea in her video statement
In her video, Sonakshi expressed concern about Wangchuk’s deteriorating health, saying, “I have never made a statement like this, but today we cannot ignore it. Sonam Wangchuk. We all know him. We know what he has done for our country, what his achievements are and how many awards he has won. He is hungry. He has not eaten anything.”
Who does this for? He is doing this for the future of the children who lost their lives.
He is fighting a system that is not working properly. I know this. You know this. We all know this. Many people remain silent. I can’t stay silent. Whatever happens, let it happen. No problem. “I can’t stay silent.”
Sonakshi questions the government’s silence
Sonakshi also appealed to the government to start talks with Wangchuk, asking: “Why is no one listening? No one cares. No one cares.”
“No one is open to dialogue.” Explaining her decision to release a video statement, she said it was time for her to speak out, adding: “I am not anti-national.”
Omi Vidya is similar to his character in the movie ‘3 Idiots’.
In an Instagram video, Umi Vaidya, who played Chatur in 3 Idiots, pointed out the real-life similarities between Wangchuk and the character Phunsukh Wangdu, who was portrayed by Aamir Khan in the film. He encouraged people to learn more about Wangchuk’s work and the issues that led to his protest, while also expressing concern about his deteriorating health.
Other celebrities who expressed their support
Omi was among the first actors to speak about Wangchuk, followed by others including Zeenat Aman, Prakash Raj, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah,
Sony Razdan
and Abhay Deol, who also extended their support to the Wangchuk and CJP protest. On Friday, Aamer also expressed concern about Wangchuk’s deteriorating health, while clarifying that his character on “3 Idiots” was not based on him.
Wangchuk’s demands and the next big step for protest
Wangchuk has begun an indefinite hunger strike, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged loopholes in the education system. The CJP’s protest at Jantar Mantar has extended into its 28th day, and the ‘Sansad Chalo March’ (Parliament March) on July 20 is scheduled to be the next big mobilization of the movement.
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