As activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered its 20th day, national attention has once again turned to the powerful tradition of fasting as a form of peaceful protest in India. Wangchuk, who has been fasting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, says his protest is aimed at pressing the government to address his demands, and his deteriorating health has sparked concern among supporters, public figures, and political leaders.
India has a long history of hunger strikes, with leaders, activists, and social reformers using fasting to highlight issues ranging from political rights and social justice to environmental protection and governance reforms. Some of these fasts have lasted only days, while others have stretched into months or even years, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s political and social landscape.
Sonam Wangchuk’s Ongoing Fast
Sonam Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike in late June and has now completed 20 days without solid food. Reports indicate that he has lost significant weight, but he has reiterated his determination to continue the protest until meaningful action is taken on his demands. He has also appealed for a peaceful march to Parliament while maintaining that his movement is rooted in non-violence.
The protest has drawn support from students, activists, and civil society groups, while concerns over his health continue to grow.
Irom Sharmila’s Historic 16-Year Fast
The longest hunger strike in independent India’s history remains that of Irom Sharmila, often referred to as the “Iron Lady of Manipur.”
She began her fast in November 2000 after the Malom incident in Manipur, demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). For nearly 16 years, she survived through force-feeding while under judicial custody before ending her fast in 2016 to enter electoral politics.
Her extraordinary protest became an international symbol of non-violent resistance and human rights advocacy.
Potti Sriramulu’s 58-Day Fast
One of India’s most consequential hunger strikes was undertaken by Potti Sriramulu in 1952.
Demanding the creation of a separate state for Telugu-speaking people, Sriramulu fasted for 58 days before passing away. His death triggered widespread protests across the region, eventually leading to the formation of Andhra State in 1953.
The movement also laid the foundation for the linguistic reorganisation of Indian states in later years, making it one of the most influential fasts in post-Independence India.
Mahatma Gandhi’s Fasts After Independence
Although Mahatma Gandhi is most closely associated with fasting during India’s freedom struggle, he also undertook significant fasts around the time of Independence.
One of his most notable was a 21-day fast aimed at promoting communal harmony and social reform during a period of intense violence and division. Gandhi regarded fasting not merely as a political tactic but as a moral and spiritual instrument to encourage reconciliation and self-reflection.
His approach established fasting as one of the defining methods of peaceful protest in India.
Anna Hazare’s Anti-Corruption Movement
In 2011, social activist Anna Hazare launched a 13-day hunger strike demanding the enactment of a strong Lokpal law to combat corruption.
The movement attracted nationwide public participation, with thousands gathering across cities in support. The protest significantly influenced the national political discourse and eventually led Parliament to agree in principle to key anti-corruption reforms.
Hazare’s fast demonstrated how peaceful public mobilisation could shape government policy in contemporary India.
G.D. Agrawal’s Fast for the Ganga
Environmental activist and former IIT professor G.D. Agrawal, also known as Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand, undertook a prolonged hunger strike demanding stronger protection for the River Ganga.
His fast lasted 111 days, making it one of the longest environmental protests in modern India. Agrawal ultimately died during the protest, drawing nationwide attention to river conservation and ecological concerns.
His campaign continues to be remembered as one of the country’s most significant environmental movements.
Why Hunger Strikes Continue to Matter
Hunger strikes occupy a unique place in India’s democratic traditions.
Unlike conventional demonstrations, fasting is viewed as a deeply symbolic form of non-violent resistance that seeks to appeal to public conscience rather than physical confrontation. Throughout India’s history, such protests have highlighted issues related to governance, human rights, environmental conservation, regional identity, and social justice.
While not every hunger strike achieves its objectives, many have succeeded in drawing national attention to issues that might otherwise have remained overlooked.
Health Risks of Prolonged Fasting
Medical experts consistently warn that extended fasting can pose serious health risks, including dehydration, muscle loss, electrolyte imbalance, organ damage, and other potentially life-threatening complications.
As Sonam Wangchuk’s fast enters its third week, public concern over his physical condition has intensified. Several public figures have urged him to prioritise his health while continuing to pursue dialogue through peaceful democratic means.
A Tradition of Peaceful Protest
From Irom Sharmila’s unprecedented 16-year fast to Potti Sriramulu’s sacrifice that reshaped India’s map, and from Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement to G.D. Agrawal’s environmental campaign, hunger strikes have repeatedly influenced India’s political and social history.
As Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike enters Day 20, it joins a long tradition of peaceful civil resistance that has sought to bring national attention to critical issues through non-violent means. Whether his protest ultimately achieves its stated objectives remains to be seen, but it has already reignited a broader conversation about the enduring role of fasting as a powerful instrument of democratic expression in India.