An old social media post by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan praising climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk and his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, has resurfaced online and gained widespread attention as Wangchuk continues his hunger strike over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.
The post, originally shared three years ago, has gone viral on social media against the backdrop of ongoing protests demanding greater accountability in the examination system and seeking Pradhan's resignation.
In the post on X, Pradhan shared a photograph with Wangchuk and Gitanjali Angmo following a meeting and praised their contribution to education.
He wrote:
"Wonderful conversations with Shri @Wangchuk66 and his wife Gitanjali J Angmo ji. Appreciate their passion, thoughts and drive for transforming education, encouraging experiential learning, developing culture of innovation and sustainable development."
The post has since been widely shared by social media users as Wangchuk remains at the centre of nationwide protests.
Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28, supporting demands related to the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and broader examination reforms.
The protesters are seeking greater accountability in the examination process, reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA), and have also called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Wangchuk has recently said he is willing to end his hunger strike if the government assures that no punitive or retaliatory action will be taken against protesters.
Following the police action during the July 20 protest, Pradhan posted on X accusing the Congress of using students for political purposes.He alleged that the opposition was attempting to politicise students instead of addressing educational issues constructively.
The statement came after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi staged a protest outside the Prime Minister's residence and was detained by Delhi Police.
After being removed from the protest site and admitted to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital, Wangchuk was shifted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram following permission granted by the Delhi High Court. Wangchuk and his family have alleged that he was "illegally detained" at Safdarjung Hospital. Authorities have not publicly accepted that allegation.
The protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak continue, while petitions relating to the police action during the demonstrations are being heard before the Delhi High Court. Meanwhile, Wangchuk remains under medical care as discussions continue over the protesters' demands and the government's response.
Sources: Hindustan Times