Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has said he considers himself "just an ordinary citizen" rather than a "modern Gandhi" or a hero, urging people to stop relying on others to lead movements and instead fulfil their own responsibilities as citizens. His remarks came as the Cockroach Janta Party's protest at Jantar Mantar over alleged examination irregularities entered its 22nd day on Saturday.
Wangchuk, who joined the protest on June 28, marked the 14th day of his indefinite hunger strike. According to a health update released by the organisation, he has lost 7.5 kg since beginning the fast, while his blood pressure was recorded at 106/74 mm Hg.
In a video shared on X on Friday night, Wangchuk acknowledged that he was feeling less energetic than the previous day but remained committed to continuing the protest.
"Today, on the 13th day of my fast, I am not feeling as energetic as I was yesterday. I am feeling a little tired. It happens—some days are better and some are not," he said.
Expressing gratitude to those supporting the movement on social media, Wangchuk said there were two kinds of comments that made him uncomfortable.
"Many people call me the Gandhi of the 21st century or a modern Gandhi. Others call me a hero. These comments make me uncomfortable. I am neither Gandhi nor a hero. I am just an ordinary citizen who has tried to fulfil his responsibilities," he said.
He further urged people not to search for heroes elsewhere, adding, "Please don't look for a hero in someone else. Be the hero of your own life. Fulfil your responsibilities as a citizen."
Referring to the student suicides that the CJP has linked to alleged examination irregularities, Wangchuk appealed to people to actively participate in the movement rather than remain passive observers.
"If one of those students had been your sister or daughter, you would have joined us. But don't wait for that. If you can't come here every day, join us at least for one day at Jantar Mantar. If you can't come to Delhi, observe a fast wherever you are and share your message," he said.
He also reiterated his call for people to participate in the proposed march to Parliament on July 20 to urge lawmakers to raise the issues highlighted by the protesters.
"Like us, you don't have to remain hungry for 24 days. Come after having your meal. But take responsibility as citizens and join us on July 20," he said.
On Friday, Wangchuk stated that his hunger had "stabilised" after the initial phase of the fast and maintained that any attempt to remove him from the protest site would amount to a violation of his constitutional right to peaceful protest.
"I am here willingly and there is no threat to my life. If they remove me, it will be a violation of our rights," he said, adding that he would continue the hunger strike in support of students demanding accountability over the alleged examination irregularities and seeking an early resolution of issues concerning Ladakh.
The Cockroach Janta Party has been demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the alleged examination irregularities.
The organisation has also announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon Session. The protest began on June 20, while Wangchuk joined the agitation eight days later and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike since then.
