Why is Sonam Wangchuk on a hunger strike? Know all about him

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk during a hunger strike by Cockroach Janata Party in New Delhi. Pic/ PTI

Sonam Wangchuk, the renowned engineer, education reformer and environmental activist from Ladakh, is currently on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi in support of a student-led protest movement.

The protest is focused on alleged irregularities in the education system, including concerns over examinations and demands for accountability from the government. Wangchuk's health has reportedly deteriorated as the fast entered its second week, prompting appeals from several political leaders and civil society groups.

Who is Sonam Wangchuk?

Sonam Wangchuk is an Indian engineer, innovator, environmentalist, and education reformer from Ladakh. He is best known for founding the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), an organisation that works on alternative education and sustainable development.

Many Indians know him as the real-life inspiration behind the character Phunsukh Wangdu in the Bollywood film 3 Idiots.

Major achievements

• Founder of SECMOL, which transformed education opportunities for students in Ladakh.
• Creator of the innovative Ice Stupa project, which stores winter water as artificial glaciers for use during dry seasons.
• Recipient of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018.
• Internationally recognised for his work on sustainable development, climate action and Himalayan ecology.
• His earlier hunger strikes and protests

Before the current protest, Wangchuk became nationally known for campaigns demanding constitutional and environmental safeguards for Ladakh. He has previously undertaken fasts seeking

• Protection of Ladakh's fragile ecosystem.
• Greater constitutional safeguards, including Sixth Schedule protections.
• Statehood and local governance protections for Ladakh.

Why is he in the news now?

Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike has drawn national attention because of concerns over his health. Reports indicate that he has lost significant weight and that supporters have issued public appeals seeking intervention. The protest organisers have also announced further demonstrations, including a planned march in Delhi.

Wangchuk is one of India's most prominent education reformers and environmental activists, and his current hunger strike has become a focal point in a wider debate over students' concerns, governance and public accountability.