New Delhi, July 15: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday issued an open letter expressing solidarity with students protesting at Jantar Mantar over examination-related issues, while urging climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, which entered its 18th day.
In a post shared on his social media handles, Tharoor said he was writing not as a politician but as someone “deeply troubled” by the challenges facing India’s youth. Recalling his own middle-class upbringing, he said merit-based examinations and scholarships had been the only path to higher education for families like his.
Tharoor recalled his middle-class upbringing. He said merit-based examinations and scholarships helped families like his pursue higher education.
“I know that a fair, merit-based system is the only ladder for young people from lower and middle-income families to climb up,” he wrote.
Tharoor said paper leaks, cancelled examinations and a loss of trust in the system hurt ordinary students the most. He added that wealthier families often have other opportunities.
Appeals to Students
Tharoor addressed students at Jantar Mantar and others protesting peacefully across the country. He said their anger reflected the frustration of a generation that had “done everything right and was still betrayed.”
He urged students not to lose hope. He also assured them that the nation was listening to their concerns.
Message to Sonam Wangchuk
The Congress leader appealed directly to Sonam Wangchuk to end his fast.
“You have awakened the conscience of the nation. That is what a fast is meant to do. India needs your voice for the long road ahead,” he wrote.
Calls for Government Dialogue
Tharoor urged the Centre to begin talks with the protesting students. He said dialogue offered the best way to resolve the issue.
He also noted that Parliament will reconvene on Monday. He said lawmakers could raise students’ concerns in the country’s highest democratic forum.
“The problem belongs in Parliament, not on a fast unto death,” he wrote. He added, “That is not weakness; that is statesmanship.”
Hunger Strike Enters Day 18
Sonam Wangchuk entered the 18th day of his indefinite hunger strike on Wednesday. He continues to demand action on issues concerning students and wider public accountability.Students, activists and several political leaders have extended their support to his fast.
Prateeksha Kumari is a journalist and strategic communications professional specialising in digital journalism, political reporting, and public affairs. Her work focuses on grassroots issues, governance, and civic developments, with an emphasis on clarity, accuracy, and narrative-driven reporting.
She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla and has qualified the UGC-NET examination, reflecting her academic grounding in media studies and communication research. Her reporting spans politics, public policy, health, education, and socio-economic issues, and she is experienced in bilingual (Hindi and English) content creation tailored to diverse audiences.
Alongside her journalistic work, she brings experience in political communication and public relations, where she has contributed to campaign messaging, media outreach, and narrative building. She has worked on integrated communication strategies across print and digital platforms, combining editorial judgment with audience insight and data-led content approaches.
