Sonam Wangchuk: 'I am still alive' on Day 20, urges march support

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk released a video message on Friday evening, marking the 20th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. In the message, he defiantly declared, 'I am still alive,' while noting that 20% of his body has been consumed—first fats, then muscles—warning that organs and eventually the brain would follow, though he insisted the time had not yet come.

Day 20 Update: A Defiant Message

Wangchuk's update came as his fast continued amid growing concern over his health. The Ladakh-born engineer and education reformer has been protesting demanding action on climate change and glacial preservation. His statement, while grim in its physiological details, was also a call to action, framing his deteriorating condition as a testament to the urgency of the cause.

Call to Action: July 20 Parliament March

The activist used the video to rally support for a planned march to Parliament on July 20, organized by the Climate Justice Platform (CJP). 'Public participation is our movement's biggest strength,' Wangchuk said, urging people to join in large numbers. He framed the march as a pivotal moment to amplify demands for policy changes that address the existential threat posed by climate change.

The Movement's Strength

Wangchuk's fast has drawn attention to the broader climate justice movement in India, which has been gaining momentum through grassroots organizing and high-profile protests. The July 20 march is expected to bring together activists, students, and concerned citizens from across the country. Wangchuk's personal sacrifice is intended to symbolize the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for immediate governmental action.

Health Concerns and Next Steps

Despite the physical toll, Wangchuk's message carried no indication of backing down. Medical experts have warned that prolonged fasting can lead to irreversible organ damage, and his reference to losing 20% of his body underscores the risks. The next few days will be critical, with the July 20 march serving as a potential turning point. Wangchuk's team has indicated that they will monitor his health closely, but the activist remains determined to continue until the government responds to demands for a comprehensive climate action plan.