ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
“Don't want Phunsukh Wangdu to die,” Indian American actor Omi Vaidya
The actor appealed for dialogue and urged the public to pay attention to Wangchuk's deteriorating health.
-
Malvika Choudhary - Tue, 14, Jul 2026
- 13:05 EDT
- 71
Omi Vaidya with Sonam Wangchuk / Instagram/ Omi Vaidya
Indian American actor Omi Vaidya voiced support for Indian educator and innovator Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
Vaidya, best known for playing Chatur Ramalingam in 3 Idiots, shared a video on social media reminding viewers that Aamir Khan's character in the film, Phunsukh Wangdu, was inspired by Wangchuk.
Also Read: India's 'Cockroach Party' chief flies to New Delhi for protest
"I don't want Phunsukh Wangdu to die," Vaidya said at the start of the video. The actor said he had met Wangchuk and described him as "a pretty interesting character" who had done "some incredible stuff" and remained "pretty humble."
He encouraged viewers to learn more about Wangchuk and his work, noting that the activist had been on a prolonged hunger strike and that "his blood sugar has gone down very much."
Explaining the reasons behind the protest, Vaidya said Wangchuk was raising concerns about India's education system, Ladakh's autonomy and environmental issues.
"Whether you agree with him or not, I don't really want this guy to die," he said. "I think he's a pretty impressive person and I would like for him to live."
Acknowledging that people are often occupied with work and family responsibilities, Vaidya urged them to take a moment to understand the issues Wangchuk was highlighting.
"If you have a second to just stop, put down your work... or the household duties... and just take a look at what's going on right now, I think it would be really, really important for you," he said.
Vaidya also appealed to supporters to amplify the campaign online and engage with public representatives.
"Please retweet. Please post on your Instagrams. And if you really care, you can even reach out to your local... government officials... because these things matter," he said.
Wangchuk joined a protest led by the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding the resignation of India's education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), the country's nationwide medical entrance examination.
The group has also sought compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the examination controversy.
According to the CJP, Wangchuk's health has deteriorated during the fast, with the organization saying he has lost nearly 9 kilograms since beginning the hunger strike. The group has announced a march to India's Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Leave A Comment
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login