Atul Kulkarni has revealed that he will go on a one-day hunger strike on July 16 at his home in support of the teacher and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Sharing a video message on Wednesday, the actor appealed to the government to start a dialogue with Wangchuk, whose indefinite hunger strike has entered its 19th day. Wangchuk staged his protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities involving the NEET: examination.
Atul Kulkarni asked people to join the cause
Kulkarni further asked people who share Wangchuk’s concerns to spread his message and join the one-day fast. The actor explained that his decision came from the desire to stand in solidarity with the pain felt by Wangchuk and his colleagues, while urging the government to handle the matter with sensitivity.In his video message, Kulkarni shared, “Tomorrow, on July 16, I will observe a one-day hunger strike from my own home. There are two reasons behind this fast. First, I want to connect the pain that Sonam ji and her colleagues went through. Secondly, I would like to ask our government to show its sensitivity in the matter. “I am not ready to believe that our government is insensitive, because many times we have seen our government express emotions and associate with the pain of the people. Perhaps, in this case, there are some misunderstandings because this sensitivity is not expressed, and a dialogue does not take place,” he said.
Atul Kulkarni urged the government to start dialogue without delay
Kulkarni then urged the government to start talks without delay. “My request to the government is that they start this dialogue without delay,” he said. He also encouraged others who knew the cause to join the fast for a day. “If you find these reasons valid, and if you connect with the pain that Sonam ji and her colleagues are going through, share this reel and try to observe a one-day hunger strike tomorrow,” he said. Recalling a thought he attributed to a wise man, Kulkarni added, “Dard ka dard se rishta hona bohot zaroori hai. (It is important for pain to have a connection with pain).” He concluded his message by calling people to come together and start a united effort through a one-day fast.
Other celebrities who supported Wangchuk:
Over the past few days, several other celebrities, including: Shabana AzmiAbhay Deol, Zeenat AmanAnurag Kashyap and: Omi Vaidyaalso extended their support to Wangchuk during his hunger strike. Wangchuk continued his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
Regarding Wangchuk’s demands and Atul Kulkarni’s renewed appeal
Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janata Party continued to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over irregularities and allegations of paper leaks related to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test, NEET-UG, which was held on May 3.