Who is Sonam Wangchuk: Who is Sonam Wangchuk? His education-career, who are there in the family? Know the great works and achievements done by him for his life, family, education and society.
Sonam Wangchuk Biography: Sonam Wangchuk is a good engineer, education reformer, innovator and environmental activist of India. He is a resident of Ladakh. He has done many such experiments for education, water conservation and saving the environment, which are discussed all over the world. He got special recognition for the technique of making artificial glacier i.e. Ice Stupa. Sonam Wangchuk is also the founder of SECMOL (Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh), where children are given practical knowledge related to life along with books.
Sonam Wangchuk’s early life
Sonam Wangchuk was born on 1 September 1966 in Uleytokpo village of Ladakh. At that time there was no school in his village. Therefore, his mother gave him his initial education at home in his mother tongue. At the age of about 9, he was sent to school in Srinagar. Due to the different language there, he faced difficulties in studies. This experience later became the biggest inspiration for his work on improving the education system.
Who is in Sonam Wangchuk’s family?
Sonam Wangchuk comes from a family where education and social service are given priority. In Sonam Wangchuk’s family-
- Father: Sonam Wangyal, who was a Cabinet Minister in the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Mother: Tejaring Wangmo, taught Sonam at home during her childhood.
- Wife: Gitanjali J. Angmo is a social entrepreneur, educationist and co-founder of Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL).
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Sonam Wangchuk’s education and career
Sonam Wangchuk has done Mechanical Engineering from National Institute of Technology (NIT), Srinagar. After completing his studies, instead of working, he chose the path of education and improvement in society. In 1988, he founded SECMOL along with some of his friends. Its purpose was to provide a new path to those students who were left behind in the traditional education system. Here children are also taught farming, solar energy, engineering, entrepreneurship and life skills.
What is Ice Stupa?
There is severe water shortage in Ladakh during summer. Searching for a solution to this problem, Sonam Wangchuk developed the Ice Stupa Technique. In this, in winter, the flowing water is left above like a fountain and freezes in the shape of a cone. This snow melts slowly in summer and farmers get water for their crops. For example, a big piece of ice kept in the house melts slowly and provides coolness for a long time. Similarly, Ice Stupa provides water to the fields for several weeks.
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What is the relation with the film ‘3 Idiots’?
The role of Phunsukh Wangdu in the film 3 Idiots was long considered inspired by Sonam Wangchuk. However, Aamir Khan and other people of the film have denied this.
Which awards did Sonam Wangchuk receive?
Sonam Wangchuk has received many national and international awards. As –
- Ramon Magsaysay Award (2018)
- Rolex Award for Enterprise
- Multiple International Environment and Innovation Awards
What is Sonam Wangchuk’s role in saving the environment?
Sonam Wangchuk has been continuously working for the environmental protection of Himalayas, Glaciers and Ladakh. He believes that as long as the Himalayas remain safe, crores of people will continue to get water.
Interesting facts of Sonam Wangchuk’s life
- His village was so far that he could not go to school for 9 years.
- His mother gave him his initial education at home.
- He founded SECMOL in 1988.
- Ice Stupa Technique praised on world label.
- They have been working on solar energy based buildings and technologies for a long time.
- He received the 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Award. It is also called the Nobel of Asia.
- Wife Gitanjali J. Angmo is also active in the field of education and social development.
- He helped develop solar powered tents for the Indian Army.
- They emphasize learning through experimentation and experience rather than memorizing education.
- He has been continuously running awareness campaigns on social issues like environmental protection, Himalayas and water crisis.
Content Source: Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, SECMOL, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar.