Actor Omi Vaidya, who became famous for playing Chatur in ‘3 Idiots’, has voiced his support for educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Referring to the much-loved ‘3 Idiots’ character Phunsukh Wangdu, who was loosely inspired by Wangchuk, the actor urged people to pay attention to the activist’s worsening health and the issues behind his protest.
His appeal comes at a time when concerns over Wangchuk’s condition are growing. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is leading the protest, has claimed that Wangchuk has lost nearly 9 kilograms since starting his fast and that his health has continued to decline.
Emotional video message shared on social media
On Tuesday, Omi Vaidya posted a video on social media, introducing himself before making an emotional appeal to the public.
“I don’t want Phunsukh Wangdu to die. Hello idiots, pehchana? This is Omi Vaidya, Chatur from ‘3 Idiots’ and Sadiq from ‘The Office’, and I have an important message for you. I don’t really do this very often, so please listen up,” he said.
The actor used the popularity of ‘3 Idiots’ to draw attention to Wangchuk’s protest, hoping more people would learn about the situation.
Reminds fans of the real inspiration behind Phunsukh Wangdu
Vaidya also reminded viewers that Aamir Khan’s character Phunsukh Wangdu in ‘3 Idiots’ was inspired by Sonam Wangchuk, a Ladakh-based engineer, innovator, educator and reformer.
Sharing his personal experience of meeting Wangchuk, Vaidya described him as humble and remarkable individual.
“I’ve met this guy. He’s a pretty interesting character,” he said, adding that Wangchuk has achieved “some incredible stuff.” He encouraged people to read more about Wangchuk and understand his work beyond the film connection.
Raises concern over Wangchuk’s health
During the video, Vaidya expressed serious concern about Wangchuk’s medical condition. He said the activist’s blood sugar had dropped significantly and questioned whether enough attention was being given to the issue.
“I don’t know if you’ve heard about this. I don’t know if the media is reporting this. But this is a pretty important thing,” he said.
He explained that Wangchuk’s protest is focused on education, Ladakh’s autonomy and environmental issues. Vaidya also made it clear that people do not have to agree with Wangchuk’s views to care about his well-being.
“Whether you agree with him or not, I don’t really want this guy to die,” he said, urging people to take some time to understand why the activist is protesting.
Hunger strike enters 16th day
Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered its 16th day on Tuesday. According to the Cockroach Janta Party, his health has continued to worsen, and he has lost nearly 9 kilograms since beginning the fast.
The protest itself started on June 20 over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Wangchuk joined the demonstration on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike since then.
Protest continues with fresh demands
The Cockroach Janta Party’s protest entered its 24th day on Monday. The organisation is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide following the examination controversy.
The group has also announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session. The planned march comes as opposition leaders and several student organisations continue to extend support to the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar.