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Sonam Wangchuk, Indian activist: Hunger strike for education reform

Sonam Wangchuk, Indian activist: Hunger strike for education reform

The Interview vor 1 Monat

Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk on how his hunger strike helped force education reform

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“This movement was by young people who had hardly anything to
lose. We had no fear and that's what spread across the country
and today people are raising their voices. This time it stopped
at the education ministry, but if this continues, I think the
younger generation may not stop at just education.” Rajini
Vaidyanathan speaks to Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose
26-day hunger strike made him a central figure in youth-led
protests over leaked exam papers. The anger about leaks broadened
into frustration over limited opportunities for young people, and
the demonstrations became one of the biggest public displays of
dissent against Narendra Modi’s BJP government. Sonam ended his
fast after receiving assurances on education reform. Education
Minister Dharmendra Pradhan later resigned, one of the key
demands from the protestors. He explains his belief that
non-violent protest can influence those in power, the physical
risk you take if you stage a hunger strike, and why the movement
may not stop at education. The Interview brings you conversations
with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best
interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Google CEO
Sundar Pichai and author Maggie O’Farrell. You can listen on the
BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT.
Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times
a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts.
Presenter: Rajini Vaidyanathan Producer: Osman Iqbal Editors:
Farhana Haider and Damon Rose

(Image: Sonam Wangchuk. Credit: Getty)