Sonakshi Sinha supports Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike, questions silence over his protest

Actress Sonakshi Sinha has publicly extended her support to education reformer and innovator Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. In an emotional video shared on social media, Sonakshi questioned why there has been so much silence around Wangchuk's protest and urged people to raise their voices before it is too late.

The actress said she usually does not speak publicly on such issues, but this time she felt she could no longer remain silent after seeing Wangchuk continue his fast for 18 days.

'I Could Not Stay Silent Anymore,' Says Sonakshi

At the beginning of her video, Sonakshi said that she knows many people may not expect her to speak on political or social issues, but Wangchuk's dedication moved her deeply.

She said: "Today I just could not stay quiet anymore. We all know Sonam Wangchuk. We know what he has done for our country, his achievements and the awards he has won. For the last 18 days, he has not eaten anything. He is not doing this for himself. He is sitting on this hunger strike for the future of our children, for the children whose lives he believes are heading towards destruction, and for those who have already lost their lives. He is fighting against a system that is not working properly."

She also pointed out that although Wangchuk may not personally know the people he is fighting for, he has still chosen to sacrifice his own health for the country's future.

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A post shared by Sonakshi Sinha (@aslisona)

Sonakshi Questions the Silence Around the Protest

The actress expressed disappointment over the lack of response to Wangchuk's protest. She said many people are staying silent even though they know about his work and intentions.

"You know it, I know it, everyone knows it. He doesn't know us personally, but he has not eaten for 18 days for the country and for the future of its children. So many people are silent. I just couldn't stay quiet anymore. Whatever happens, happens. No problem. But I cannot remain silent" said the actress. 

'Why Is Nobody Listening?'

Sonakshi also praised the young people who have supported Wangchuk's movement and questioned why authorities have not started a conversation with him.

She said: "I want to appreciate the youth of this country for raising their voices for the truth and for something good. But why is no one listening? Nobody seems to care. No dialogue is happening. No one is even turning to look at him. That is when I asked myself, why am I silent? I am also a citizen of this country. I also want what is best for India. I am not anti-national, so why should I stay silent?"
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A post shared by Sonam Wangchuk (@wangchuksworld)

She Supports Wangchuk's Stand

Sonakshi referred to Wangchuk's own appeal, where he had said that people should not ask him to end his fast but instead ask the government why it is not talking to him.

"Sonam ji himself said, don't ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they are not talking to us. Why aren't they paying attention? You are very, very important to us. You are a gem. I cannot thank you enough for what you are doing for this country. So I will not ask you to break your fast."

Sonakshi says, 'When Will It Be Enough?'

Towards the end of her message, Sonakshi asked an emotional question about how long people would wait before taking action.

"I only want to ask one thing. When is it going to be enough? Will people wake up only after this man dies? Whose responsibility will that be? What is happening is not right. I believe we should definitely raise our voices and open our eyes, even if others choose not to. Jai Hind."

Several Celebrities Back Sonam Wangchuk

Sonakshi is not the only celebrity to support Wangchuk. Actor Omi Vaidya, best known for playing Chatur in 3 Idiots, also urged people to learn more about Wangchuk's work and the concerns behind his protest while expressing concern for his health.

Veteran actress Zeenat Aman has also strongly backed Wangchuk. In a detailed Instagram post, she reflected on his contributions to society and called attention to the issues he is raising through his hunger strike.

Sonakshi's emotional message has now added another prominent voice to the growing support for Sonam Wangchuk, with many people hoping that his concerns will receive the attention and dialogue he has been seeking.