Why is Sonam Wangchuk, the inspiration behind 3 Idiots, on a 5-day fast in Ladakh?

Sonam Wangchuk, an Indian engineer, scientist and educational reformer best known as the inspiration behind Aamir Khan’s character in 3 Idiots, has been fasting since January 26, 2023. Wangchuk is a local icon and celebrity from Ladakh, the place where he was. born and raised in.

Apart from teaching students and innovating, Sonam Wangchuk is also a Magsaysay award-winning environmentalist who is currently voicing protests to save Ladakh from illegal and harmful activities in the name of development.

In protest against mining and unplanned development in Ladakh, Sonam Wangchuk organized a five-day climate fast from January 26 to 30. Wangchuk, 56, wanted to fast at the Khardungla Pass, but was prevented from doing so by the Ladakh administration and expelled. under house arrest. He is currently protesting from the campus of Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL). Read on to know who Sonam Wangchuk is and the full story behind his hunger strike.

GOOD MORNING WORLD! This is the last day of me #carbonneutral #ClimateFasting to #SaveLadakh and they are glaciers in #6toSchedule Hundreds of people will join me here for 1 day of fasting. Here are exhibits on what my fast is like. #Carbonneutral@Narendra Modi @AmitShah @UNFCCC @ClimateReality @LeoDiCaprio @UNFCCC @UNEP pic.twitter.com/uB5a2Skjpn

-Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66)
January 30, 2023

Who is Sonam Wangchuk?

Sonam Wangchuk

Sonam Wangchuk was born on September 1, 1966 in Alchi, Leh district of Ladakh, now Union Territory of India. After a difficult childhood studying in Srinagar, in a language unknown to him, Wangchuk escaped to Delhi and later graduated from the National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Wangchuk, along with his brother and some friends, founded the Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) in 1988. SECMOL is an organization that promotes alternative education, emphasizing innovation and preserving cultural identity. SECMOL paved the way for the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL). Both campuses are completely green and do not use fossil fuels for cooking, heating or lighting.

For her years of educational reforms and fighting climate change in Ladakh, Sonam Wangchuk was honored with the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018.

Good morning World! From the third day of #ClimateFasting outdoors, under a heavy police presence… don’t worry, it’s all for my “safety”. Thanks for all your support. #SaveLadakh @AmitShah @Narendra Modi @UNFCCC @UNEP @LeoDiCaprio pic.twitter.com/4HNxdI9TPq

-Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66)
January 28, 2023

Why is Sonam Wangchuk fasting in protest in Ladakh?

Sonam Wangchuk has been campaigning for Ladakh to receive special status for years. His dreams almost came true in 2019, when the Government of India separated Ladakh from Jammu and Kashmir and designated it as a Union Territory. As such, Ladakh is administered by the President of India.

Ladakh borders Pakistan, China and the sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a critical territory for India from a military point of view. However, due to the high altitude and harsh living conditions, Ladakh is one of the least developed and sparsely populated areas of India.

Sonam Wangchuk demands that Ladakh be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which grants autonomy to regions with a high tribal population. Wangchuk also protests against the illegal and environmentally damaging activities being carried out in Leh and Ladakh in the name of development.

Watch this video to better understand the reason behind Sonam Wangchuk’s quick protest.

Also Read: Why are Jains protesting Shikhaji and Palitana temple? Explained

Also Read: India’s first ice tunnel idea conceptualized by Sonam Wangchuk: All you need to know

Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: ptivs2.edu.vn

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