Hyderabad, 16 July
Hyderabad to Hold Candlelight Vigil in Support of Sonam Wangchuk Today
Hyderabad to Hold Candlelight Vigil in support of social activist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday, July 16, as civil society organisations come together to express solidarity with his ongoing hunger strike. The peaceful gathering will take place from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the 130-foot Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Statue on Necklace Road, where students, activists, and citizens are expected to participate.
The event has been organised to show support for Wangchuk, who has been observing an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity with students affected by the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. Organisers believe the vigil will provide a platform for citizens to demand greater transparency and accountability in the country’s examination system.
The announcement that Hyderabad to Hold Candlelight Vigil has received attention from various student groups and social organisations, many of whom have appealed to the public to participate peacefully and raise awareness about the concerns surrounding the NEET examination.
Protesters Demand Reforms in Examination System
Those participating in the candlelight gathering have put forward several demands aimed at improving the credibility of national entrance examinations. Their primary demands include protecting students’ rights, scrapping the National Testing Agency (NTA), and removing Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
According to the organisers, repeated controversies over national-level examinations have affected the confidence of students and parents across the country. They argue that reforms are necessary to ensure fairness and transparency in future examinations.
As Hyderabad to Hold Candlelight Vigil, organisers have requested participants to carry candles as a symbol of peace and justice while maintaining discipline throughout the event.
Sonam Wangchuk Continues Indefinite Hunger Strike
Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike for the past 19 days. He joined the protest initiated by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to express solidarity with students who were impacted by the alleged NEET-UG paper leak earlier this year.
Despite repeated appeals from political leaders, supporters, and well-wishers to end his fast, Wangchuk has refused, stating that ending the protest without a response from the government would weaken the demand for accountability.
Speaking during his protest, Wangchuk said that breaking his fast without any action from the authorities would send the wrong message. He questioned how meaningful change could be achieved if protests ended without addressing the issues raised by students and citizens.
His determination has drawn support from student organisations, education activists, and members of civil society across different parts of the country.
Parliament March Planned on July 20
Apart from continuing his hunger strike, Wangchuk has urged people to strengthen the CJP’s proposed Parliament march on July 20. He encouraged school and college students to participate, describing it as an opportunity to witness democracy in action and understand the importance of civic participation.
He also addressed concerns about his health, saying that regular medical examinations have not indicated any immediate danger. However, he maintained that he would continue the hunger strike until there is a meaningful response to the demands being raised.
With Hyderabad to Hold Candlelight Vigil today, organisers hope the event will encourage constructive dialogue on examination reforms while expressing support for students who have been affected by recent controversies.
Citizens Invited to Participate
The Hyderabad to Hold Candlelight Vigil event is expected to bring together students, professionals, activists, and concerned citizens at Necklace Road. Organisers have appealed to participants to attend peacefully and stand in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk and students seeking greater accountability in India’s examination system.
As Hyderabad to Hold Candlelight Vigil, the gathering is expected to highlight the growing demand for transparent and credible examination processes while reinforcing the importance of protecting the interests of students across the country. The peaceful vigil will serve as a symbolic expression of public support and a call for reforms aimed at restoring trust in national-level examinations.