Atul Kulkarni announces one-day fast in support of Sonam Wangchuk, urges government to initiate dialogue: ‘Dard ka dard se rishta hona bahot jaruri hai’ |

Atul Kulkarni announced a one-day hunger strike in support of Sonam Wangchuk on 16 July, urging the government to start dialogue “without delay”. Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over NEET-UG irregularities, has entered its 19th day, with celebrities like Shabana Azmi also extending support.

Atul Kulkarni has revealed that he will go on a one-day fast at his home on July 16 to support academics and climate activists. Sonam Wangchuk. Sharing a video message on Wednesday, the actor appealed to the government to open a dialogue with Wangchuk, whose indefinite hunger strike has now entered its 19th day. Wangchuk is standing his protest at Yantar Mantar, seeking the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities. NEET test

Atul Kulkarni appealed to people to join the cause

Kulkarni also urged those who share Wangchuk’s concerns to spread their message and participate in a one-day fast. The actor explained that his decision came from a desire to express 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, July 16, I will observe a one-day fast from my own home. There are two reasons behind this fast. First, I want to connect with the pain that Sonam Ji and her associates are going through. Secondly, I would like to urge our government to show its sensitivity to the matter.” He added that while Wangchuk and his supporters believe genuine concern is driving their demands, the government’s view seems to be different. “I am not ready to believe that our government is sensitive, because many times we have seen our government expressing emotions and connecting with people’s pain. Perhaps, in this case, due to some misunderstanding this sensitivity is not being expressed, and a dialogue is not taking place,” he said.

Atul Kulkarni urged the government to start dialogue without delay

Kulkarni then urged the government to start talks without further delay. He said, “My request to the government is to start this dialogue without delay.” He also encouraged others who identified the cause to join the fast for a day. “If you find these reasons valid, and if you relate to the pain that Sonam ji and her associates are going through, share this reel and try to observe a one-day fast tomorrow too,” he said. Recalling a thought attributed to a wise man, Kulkarni added, “Dard ka dard se rishta hona bohot jaruri hai. (It is important to relate pain to pain).” He concluded his message by urging the people to unite and initiate a collective effort through a one-day fast.

Other celebrities who have endorsed Wangchuk

Along with several other celebrities over the past few days Shabana AzmiAbhay Deol, Zeenat AmanAnurag Kashyap and I am VaidyaHis hunger strike also increased their support for Wangchuck. Wangchuck continues his indefinite fast at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

Regarding Wangchuk’s claim and Atul Kulkarni’s renewed appeal

Wangchuk and the Telapoka Janata Party have continued to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over allegations of irregularities and paper leaks linked to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test, NEET-UG, held on May 3. Kulkarni’s announcement added support around Wangchuk’s protest without protest.