From Innovator to Activist: Sonam Wangchuk's Journey from '3 Idiots' Inspiration to Ladakh Protest Leader

Sonam Wangchuk, a renowned innovator, now finds himself as an activist under investigation

New Delhi:

Following the 2009 blockbuster '3 Idiots', Sonam Wangchuk gained recognition as the inspiration behind Phunshukh Wangdu, the brilliant character portrayed by Aamir Khan. His innovative contributions earned him the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018, acknowledging his systematic and community-driven educational reforms in remote Ladakh.

Today, this celebrated figure stands at the epicenter of unrest in Ladakh that resulted in four fatalities and approximately 100 injuries. The Central government has alleged that Wangchuk provoked the mob that clashed with police and set buildings ablaze in Leh. Additionally, the Central Bureau of Investigation is examining potential Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act violations involving the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning, which Wangchuk co-founded. The Ladakh administration has also revoked the institute's land allocation, and authorities are scrutinizing Wangchuk's recent Pakistan visit.

Speaking to PTI, Wangchuk expressed readiness for potential arrest under the Public Safety Act: "I see they are building a case to place me under the Public Safety Act and imprison me for two years. I am prepared for that, though Sonam Wangchuk imprisoned may create more difficulties for them than Sonam Wangchuk free."

"Blaming me or Congress for instigating violence seeks a scapegoat rather than addressing fundamental issues, which leads nowhere. They might cleverly shift blame, but wisdom is required now, not cleverness, as youth are already frustrated," he added.

The Beginning

Born in Uleytokpo village near Leh, 59-year-old Wangchuk received home education until age nine due to the absence of local schools. When his father Sonam Wangyal became a minister in the Jammu and Kashmir government in 1975, the family relocated to Srinagar. Young Wangchuk enrolled in a school where instruction was in English, Hindi, and Urdu—languages he didn't understand.

In later interviews, Wangchuk recalled frequent classroom exclusion and humiliation. "In Srinagar, I was considered a mute boy from Ladakh unable to speak Hindi or English. The humiliation left me contemplating suicide," he shared with The Week.

At twelve, Wangchuk independently traveled to Delhi by train, determined to escape his Srinagar education. After persuading the principal at Vishesh Kendriya Vidyalaya, he gained admission there. He eventually returned to Srinagar to pursue engineering at the Regional Engineering College, now known as NIT Srinagar.

SECMOL And Innovations

Fresh from college in 1988, Wangchuk established the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) alongside his brothers and five others, initially fundraising through cultural performances. In subsequent years, SECMOL trained teachers to deliver activity-based, engaging lessons. "Teaching and learning should be joyful," he emphasized.

"To create lasting impact, SECMOL collaborated with local government for educational reform. The pilot program in a village school involved teacher training for creative, child-friendly education; curriculum adjustments to reflect Ladakhi culture; prioritizing English over Urdu to enhance higher education prospects; and promoting the Ladakhi language," states his Ramon Magsaysay award citation. SECMOL's Operation New Hope, implemented with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, transformed educational outcomes for Ladakhi students.

SECMOL received the International Terra Award for best building in 2016 for its sustainable earthen construction utilizing solar technology and abundant local sunlight.

Wangchuk also developed the Ice Stupa, an innovative artificial glacier solution addressing water shortages for Ladakhi farmers.

The Statehood Protest

When the central government revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 in 2019, dividing it into two Union Territories including Ladakh, initial local support gradually transformed into discontent with the administration.

In 2023, Wangchuk announced a fast at Khardungla Pass to highlight climate change impacts on Ladakh's ecosystem and demand constitutional protections under the Sixth Schedule. Authorities prevented this action and placed him under house arrest. The following March, he conducted another fast advocating for constitutional safeguards, and in September, he led a march from Ladakh to Delhi supporting his demands.

On September 10, Wangchuk began a 35-day fast for statehood demands. Following violent protests, he terminated his fast, stating his "message of peaceful path failed." In a video message on X, he explained: "On day 15 of our strike, I'm pained to report violence, arson and vandalism in Leh today. Two strikers were hospitalized yesterday, sparking outrage. A bandh was called today, bringing thousands of youth to the streets."

Wangchuk described the youth uprising as a "Gen-Z revolution," noting, "Five years of joblessness creates social unrest. We lack democratic platforms here."

"I urge young people to abandon violence. This undermines my five-year struggle. Our approach has been strikes and marches—violence is not our path," he added.

Centre's Strong Words For Sonam Wangchuk

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a forceful statement after the Ladakh unrest: "It's evident the mob was incited by Shri Sonam Wangchuk through provocative statements. Notably, amidst this violence, he ended his fast and departed for his village by ambulance without meaningfully attempting to control the situation."

Recent reports indicate the CBI has been investigating the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning for two months, though sources note no case has yet been registered.

The Ladakh administration justified cancelling HIAL's land allotment by stating the land wasn't being used for its intended purpose.

Wangchuk had previously pointed out that the land was allocated in 2018, questioning why the administration now claims it isn't fulfilling its purpose, and suggested calculated motives behind the lease cancellation.