Actor Omi Vaidya calls for aid for Sonam Wangchuk’s fast

Actor Omi Vaidya, known for his role in the popular film "3 Idiots," has issued a public appeal for educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose health is deteriorating during an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi. Vaidya shared an emotional video on social media on Tuesday, July 14, urging people to pay attention to Wangchuk's condition and the causes he is championing.

In the video, Vaidya introduced himself by his character's name, Chatur, and directly referenced the film's protagonist, Phunsukh Wangdu, a character inspired by Wangchuk's real life. "I don't want Phunsukh Wangdu to die," Vaidya said, expressing concern that Wangchuk's blood sugar had dropped significantly during his prolonged fast. He described Wangchuk, whom he has met, as a humble and impressive engineer, innovator, and education reformer from Ladakh, and encouraged the public to learn about his demands.

Wangchuk, 59, joined a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on June 28. The demonstration, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), began on June 20 and centers on alleged irregularities in the national NEET medical entrance examination. The protesters' primary demands are the resignation of Union...