Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president and senior counsel Dr Vikas Singh has appealed to education reformer and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike over concerns relating to the national eligibility-cum-entrance test (NEET), saying the country needs his leadership and continued work rather than risking his life.
In an open letter addressed to Mr Wangchuk, the SCBA president expressed deep concern over the activist's health while acknowledging his commitment to improving India's education system.
"India does not need you to die for a broken system. We need you to be alive, working, and leading us from the front," Dr Singh wrote, urging Mr Wangchuk to preserve his strength for what he described as a long struggle for systemic reforms.
The SCBA president said Mr Wangchuk had built his reputation by creating practical solutions rather than seeking concessions from those in power. Referring to Mr Wangchuk's contributions to education, Dr Singh said his work had transformed the lives of students who had previously been written off by the system and demonstrated the value of innovation, discipline and compassion.
According to Dr Singh, Mr Wangchuk's greatest impact has come through institution-building, teaching and community work rather than protest alone. He urged the activist to return to those efforts after ending his fast.
In the letter, Dr Singh also reflected on what he described as a changing political culture in the country. He said public officials were increasingly reluctant to accept moral responsibility even in the face of serious institutional failures that affect large sections of society.
He argued that despite Mr Wangchuk's willingness to put his own life at risk in pursuit of education reforms, those in positions of authority had shown little sign of being moved by such moral appeals.
Dr Singh further expressed concern over what he described as the declining ethical standards in public life, saying expectations that political leaders would respond to questions of conscience had diminished considerably.
Calling the campaign for reform a long-term effort, Dr Singh said lasting change would require Wangchuk's continued involvement rather than personal sacrifice.
He said governments and political leaders may come and go, but the work undertaken by individuals committed to nation-building would leave a lasting legacy. He stressed that meaningful change begins through sustained service in one's chosen field and encouraged Mr Wangchuk to continue leading by example.
The SCBA president said Mr Wangchuk's hunger strike had already succeeded in drawing national attention to issues surrounding the education system and in stirring public opinion.
"You have awakened the national conscience," Dr Singh said, adding that it was this impact that prompted him, despite describing himself as apolitical, to make a public appeal.
Concluding the letter, Dr Singh urged Mr Wangchuk to end his fast, resume his work in education, and trust that his vision for the country would continue to inspire many people. He also said he was conveying his appeal through the media and intended to personally meet Mr Wangchuk to reiterate his request.
Mr Wangchuk has been observing the fast to press for reforms relating to NEET and issues concerning India's education system.
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