Why is Sonam Wangchuk, the man who inspired ‘3 idiots’, protesting in ,?
Sonam Wangchuk stressed that if the carelessness continued and the Ladakh is refrained from being provided protection from the industries, the glaciers here will extinct
Hyderabad: Anyone who has watched ‘3 idiots’ will be familiar with the name Phunsukh Wangdu, a character played by Amir Khan. He is a brilliant scientist who in the end opens an innovative school for kids in the Ladakh area.
Khan’s character is inspired by a real-life person Sonam Wangchuk. Born on September 1, 1966, Wangchuk is an Indian engineer, innovator, and educational reformist.
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He is the founding director of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), which was founded in 1988 by a group of students. SECMOL campus runs on solar energy and uses no fossil fuels for cooking, lighting, or heating.
Wangchuk was also instrumental in multiple operations and projects in collaboration with the government, NGOs, and others, where he worked for the progress of Ladakh.
Why is he protesting?
It is common knowledge that Wangchuk was born and brought up in Ladakh and the place is close to his heart. In an attempt to preserve his homeland, he appealed to the Prime Minister to take action as “all is not well in Ladakh”.
The Union Territory is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in India. It is also a tactical and vital base for the Indian Army, as exhibited in the Kargil war. However, Wangchuk fears that the growing corporate expansion in the area might prove harmful in the future.
This will add to the already severe shortage of resources like water. Mining and other comparable activities may cause glaciers to melt, he said.
In the video he posted on his social media platforms, he said, “Ladakh, also known as the “third pole” of the earth, is dealing with serious issues. To promote total economic development and decision-making autonomy, locals have been calling for the inclusion of Ladakh under the 6th Schedule. The topic has also previously been brought up in Parliament.”
The 6th Schedule is a constitutional provision given to tribal areas, where the locals hold autonomy over important decisions regarding the land and economy. For that schedule to be applied, 50 per cent of that region’s population has to be tribal.
Ladakh, with over 95% of its population as tribal, was expected to be added soon, but it was not. Wangchuk is now protesting for the application of the same.
Fasting in cold temperatures and house arrest
Wangchuk announced that he would hold a five-day hunger strike called the Climate Fast from January 26 to 30 to emphasise the demands of the Ladakh people.
The hunger strike was planned to take place at Khardungla pass initially. However, he was prevented from travelling to the mountain pass on account of heavy snowfall and road blockages.
Wangchuk then decided to continue his strike at the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL) of which he is the founding director.
On the third day of his hunger strike, Wangchuk shared on Twitter that he had been asked to sign a legal bond by the Ladakh administration. The bond barred him from participating in public events or making statements that could lead to a breach of peace. It also limits his movements to the HIAL.
Today is the last day of his climate fast in Ladakh, where he has been receiving support not just from the locals, but also from netizens online.
GOOD MORNING WORLD!
4th day of my #ClimateFast to #SaveLadakh under #6thSchedule of Indian constitution.
You all can join me tomorrow 30th Jan, last day of my fast. You can organise a 1 day fast in your area in solidarity with #Ladakh & ur own surroundings#climate #ILiveSimply pic.twitter.com/tCBDqeB0Rv— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) January 29, 2023
