'Not Modern-Day Gandhi, Just Ordinary Citizen': Sonam Wangchuk Amid Indefinite Strike, Says 'Be Your Own Hero'

As Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike has entered its 15th day, the climate activist said he is "just an ordinary citizen" and not a "modern Gandhi" or a hero. He urged people to become the "heroes" of their own lives instead of looking for someone else to lead.The Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar over alleged examination irregularities entered its 23rd day on Sunday, while Wangchuk entered the 15th day of his indefinite hunger strike. It has been learnt that the activist has lost 7.5 kg since beginning the fast and his blood pressure was recorded at 106/74 mm Hg.In a video posted on X on Friday night, Wangchuk said he was feeling less energetic than the previous day but remained committed to the agitation. "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.Thanking people for supporting the movement on social media, Wangchuk said, "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 further urged people to stop looking for heroes and instead take responsibility as citizens. "Please don't look for a hero in someone else. Be the hero of your own life. Fulfil your responsibilities as a citizen," he said.

Wangchuk also stated that his hunger had "stabilised" after the initial days of the fast and asserted that any attempt to remove him from the protest site would violate his constitutional right to hold a 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.Meanwhile, the CJP has been demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide over alleged examination irregularities. As the Cockroach Party protest continues, the outfit has also announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session.The CJP protest began on June 20, while Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike since then.(With agency inputs)