US-based Hindu rights group backs Sonam's hunger strike, plans Washington rally

BATHINDA: Hindus for Human Rights (HFHR), a US-based advocacy group, will hold a solidarity gathering in Washington, DC, on Friday in support of social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for the past 20 days demanding the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.In a press release, HFHR said it will join the Azadi Project for the gathering at the Gandhi Statue in Washington at 4pm (US time).The organisation has also written an open letter to the Narendra Modi government, expressing concern over Wangchuk's deteriorating health.According to the letter, Wangchuk's fast has entered its 19th day. Organisers said he has lost around 8.5kg and his health has worsened significantly. At least three student protesters have reportedly been hospitalised, including one who was treated for hypovolemic shock.The letter said the protesters were demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities, failures in educational governance and the impact these issues have had on millions of students and their families.HFHR said fasting holds deep spiritual significance in Hindu traditions and is often seen as an act of discipline, reflection and moral protest. It said a hunger strike should not be viewed as a spectacle but as a final step taken when other avenues fail."The government may reject the demand for the education minister's resignation, but it cannot remain silent," the letter said. It also referred to recent protests by students and job aspirants over alleged examination and recruitment failures, saying many had faced lathi charges, water cannons and detentions while seeking accountability.Executive director of Hindus for Human Rights Sunita Viswanath said, "As Hindus, we are taught that dharma demands courage in the face of injustice and care for those whose lives are at risk. A hunger strike is not a spectacle—it is what remains when every ordinary avenue has failed and power still refuses to listen. If people must starve before the government will hear them, that silence is itself an injustice. The government must meet the protesters now, answer the failures that brought them here, and act before indifference takes a life."The organisation urged the government to engage with the protesters before the situation turns into a medical emergency. It also appealed to Wangchuk and the fasting students to prioritise their health, saying they should not have to risk their lives to make their demands heard.Get the latest City News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Delhi | Silver Rate in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi | Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Petrol Price in Delhi | Diesel Price in Delhi | CNG Price in Delhi | LPG Price in DelhiStay updated with the latest Delhi news. Download the TOI App.