Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Celebrated Ladakhi innovator Sonam Wangchuk, once hailed as the real-life inspiration behind the character Phunsukh Wangdu from the film 3 Idiots, is now at the centre of violent unrest in Leh that left four dead and nearly 100 injured. The Centre has accused him of inciting the mob, while the CBI is probing his Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL) for alleged violations of foreign funding laws.
Early Life and Education
Born in Uleytokpo village near Leh, Wangchuk faced early struggles with language and humiliation in school after moving to Srinagar when his father became a minister. At just 12, he left for Delhi alone to continue his studies, later returning to complete engineering at NIT Srinagar. His personal hardships shaped his resolve to reform education in Ladakh.
SECMOL and Innovations
In 1988, Wangchuk co-founded SECMOL (Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh), which redefined local education through creative, child-friendly methods and cultural relevance. SECMOL’s Operation New Hope, launched with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, transformed schooling in the region. His work earned him the 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Award. Wangchuk also pioneered the Ice Stupa project to tackle water shortages and won international recognition for eco-friendly earthen architecture.
Shift to Activism and Statehood Demand
After Article 370 was revoked in 2019, Ladakhis initially welcomed Union Territory status but grew disillusioned over lack of representation and safeguards. Wangchuk emerged as a leading activist, staging fasts and marches demanding Sixth Schedule protection and statehood. In 2023, he was placed under house arrest during one such protest. On September 10, 2025, he began another fast, which ended amid violent clashes in Leh on September 19, when thousands of youths took to the streets.
Government Allegations and Current Status
The Ministry of Home Affairs accused Wangchuk of making provocative statements that incited violence, claiming he abandoned his fast without calming the situation. Meanwhile, CBI scrutiny of HIAL has intensified after Ladakh authorities cancelled its land allotment, alleging misuse. Wangchuk maintains he is ready for arrest under the Public Safety Act, insisting the unrest stems from frustrated youth denied jobs and democratic platforms.
A Polarising Figure
While Wangchuk is revered for his innovations and social reform, his recent activism has drawn sharp criticism from the Centre. His journey from education reformer to accused instigator underscores the tension in Ladakh between grassroots aspirations and government control.
