Sonam Wangchuk, engineer, education reformer and environmentalist is in the news again after going on a long hunger strike in New Delhi over allegations of irregularities in examinations. The 59-year-old innovator who is widely recognized for revolutionizing education in Ladakh as well as for introducing the Ice Stupa initiative has been moved from Kashmir to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital following the strike.
Who Is Sonam Wangchuk?
Sonam Wangchuk is an Indian engineer, inventor, educationist and environmental activist who comes from the Ladakhi region of India. He is the founder-director of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) which was founded in 1988 with the aim of improving the educational status of that area. He is also the founder of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL) and is renowned throughout the world for his invention of the Ice Stupa, a man-made glacier.
Sonam Wangchuk Early Life
Sonam Wangchuk was born on 1st September 1966 in Uleytokpo, located near Alchi in the Leh district, which belonged to Jammu and Kashmir. Wangchuk did not join any formal education until he turned nine years old because there was no school in their village. The young boy was educated at home by his mother in his local language. Afterward, he shifted to Srinagar to educate himself but faced problems due to language barriers.
Sonam Wangchuk Family
Sonam Wangchuk is the son of Sonam Wangyal, an ex-minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and Tsering Wangmo. He has been married to Gitanjali J. Angmo, who has collaborated with him in the field of education and has co-founded the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh.
Sonam Wangchuk Age
As of July 2026, Sonam Wangchuk is 59 years old. He was born on September 1, 1966.
Sonam Wangchuk Career
After earning a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology (formerly Regional Engineering College), Srinagar, in 1987, Sonam Wangchuk co-founded the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) in 1988 to improve the quality of education in the region. He later launched Operation New Hope, an initiative aimed at reforming government schools across Ladakh.
Wangchuk is internationally recognised for developing the Ice Stupa, an artificial glacier that stores winter water for use during the spring season, helping communities cope with water scarcity. He also founded the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL) to promote experiential and sustainable education. In recognition of his contributions to education and environmental innovation, he received the 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Award, widely regarded as Asia’s highest civilian honour, along with several other national and international accolades.
Sonam Wangchuk Wife
Sonam Wangchuk’s wife is Gitanjali J. Angmo, an educationist and social entrepreneur. She has partnered with Wangchuk in several educational and sustainability projects, including HIAL.
Sonam Wangchuk Children
Sonam Wangchuk has largely kept his personal life private. There is no officially confirmed public information regarding his children.
Sonam Wangchuk Net Worth
The net worth of Sonam Wangchuk has not been made public yet. While there have been various unofficial sources that estimate his net worth, there is no reliable information about how wealthy he is. His contributions have mostly been to the field of education reforms and innovations and development.
Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike
An indefinite hunger strike was launched by Sonam Wangchuk on 28th June 2026 at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. Wangchuk participated in the protest against any wrongdoing in competitive examinations, such as NEET-UG examination leakage, and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan.
After more than two weeks of this hunger strike, doctors issued an advisory that his health had become serious owing to prolonged fasting and dehydration. The Delhi High Court instructed the concerned authorities to keep monitoring his health.
Sonam Wangchuk Latest News
Sonam Wangchuk was moved to Safdarjung Hospital by the Delhi Police on July 18, 2026, after receiving recommendations from the doctors for immediate medical attention due to his declining health status on the 21st day of his hunger strike. This decision was made by the Delhi Police after receiving instructions from the Delhi High Court to have Wangchuk medically checked and treated. Wangchuk’s supporters criticized this decision of the Delhi Police.
Sonam Wangchuk Health Update
Safdarjung Hospital reports that while Sonam Wangchuk’s condition is stable, he is still weak due to his fasting and dehydration. “He needs close medical supervision and treatment,” doctors added. His health condition is under close observation by hospital authorities, but his family members have certain reservations regarding his medical treatment. More news about his health condition will emerge shortly.
