POLITICS

Bollywood Star Omi Vaidya Backs Ladakh Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike Over NEET Leak

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike in Leh demanding a probe into the NEET exam paper leak. Bollywood actor Omi Vaidya publicly voiced support, linking the protest to his iconic role in “3 Idiots.” The combined pressure is forcing the government to confront exam security and broader climate‑education challenges in Ladakh.

By Open Vaartha Desk · 2026-07-13

TL;DR

Bollywood star Omi Vaidya backs Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike against NEET paper leaks, urging swift government action.

Key points

Sonam Wangchuk began a hunger strike on June 12, 2026 in Leh to protest the NEET exam paper leak.
The NEET leak exposed answer keys to thousands of students, prompting nationwide outrage.
Actor Omi Vaidya publicly supported the protest on June 14 via X, highlighting parallels with his film “3 Idiots.”
The Ministry of Education has formed a review committee but faces criticism for past inaction.
Wangchuk’s activism also focuses on Ladakh’s climate challenges and sustainable education.

On a crisp morning in Leh, Ladakh, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk began a hunger strike outside the Union Ministry of Education, demanding an immediate probe into the recent NEET examination paper leak. The protest, which started on June 12, 2026, follows a wave of student unrest after leaked question papers were circulated online, threatening the integrity of the national entrance exam. Wangchuk, known for his work on sustainable education, has vowed to continue the fast until the leak is fully investigated.The NEET leak, traced to a breach in the exam board’s digital infrastructure, exposed answer keys to thousands of aspirants across the country. Students in Delhi, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh reported receiving the leaked set within hours, prompting accusations of collusion and calls for stricter data security. The Ministry of Education has so far announced a review committee, but critics argue that past inquiries have yielded no substantive reforms, fueling deeper mistrust among the youth.Bollywood actor Omi Vaidya, best known for his role as Chatur in the 2009 hit “3 Idiots”, took to X (formerly Twitter) on June 14 to voice his solidarity with Wangchuk’s cause. Vaidya wrote that the academic community’s struggle mirrors the film’s critique of rote learning, and he urged the government to protect students’ futures rather than profit from compromised exams. His post, which quickly amassed over 15,000 likes, highlighted the growing intersection of entertainment and activism in India.Celebrity endorsement can amplify grassroots movements, but it also risks oversimplifying complex policy debates. Analysts note that Vaidya’s involvement may pressure officials to expedite the inquiry, yet the underlying issue—secure, transparent examination processes—requires systemic overhaul. The hunger strike has already drawn attention from opposition parties and several NGOs, which have pledged legal aid to the protesters. If the government fails to respond decisively, the episode could become a flashpoint for broader student‑led reform campaigns.Beyond the exam controversy, Wangchuk’s activism is rooted in Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, where climate change threatens traditional agriculture and water supplies. He has previously championed solar‑powered schools and community‑led glacier monitoring, linking environmental resilience to educational empowerment. The current protest therefore serves a dual purpose: safeguarding academic integrity while drawing attention to the region’s broader sustainability challenges. Observers hope the momentum will translate into policy measures that address both educational reform and climate adaptation in the high Himalayas.