How educated is Sonam Wangchuk, who is on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, and where did he get his degree?
- bySherya
- 16 Jul, 2026
Sonam Wangchuk Education: Sonam Wangchuk was born in the small village of Uletokpo in Ladakh on September 1, 1966. His father's name is Sonam Wangyal and his mother's name is Tshering.

Education of Sonam Wangchuk
Sonam Wangchuk Education: Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi since June 28th, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and addressing the irregularities in the NEET exam paper leak case. His health has been deteriorating, and he has lost significant weight. Today marks the 18th day of his hunger strike. Despite his deteriorating health, he remains steadfast in his decision.
Many prominent figures are urging Wangchuk to end his fast, but Sonam Wangchuk has made it clear that he will continue his protest until the government holds him accountable. So, let's now tell you how educated Sonam Wangchuk is and where he earned his degree.
Wangchuk's journey began in a simple village.
Sonam Wangchuk was born on September 1, 1966, in the small village of Uletokpo in Ladakh. His father's name is Sonam Wangyal and his mother's name is Tshering. His childhood was a humble one, filled with challenges. At that time, modern education was not available in his village, which meant he wasn't able to begin formal schooling until he was nine years old. He was later sent to Srinagar for further studies, but even there, the going wasn't easy, as he initially struggled to understand and learn both Hindi and English. Despite these difficulties, he continued his studies and never gave up.
Engineering from NIT Srinagar
Overcoming his initial difficulties, Sonam Wangchuk earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Srinagar. Interestingly, he funded his own education by tutoring other students. This marked the beginning of his tenacious nature and self-reliance, which would later become a hallmark of his entire career.
First step towards education reform
After completing his engineering studies, Sonam Wangchuk devoted his energy to improving Ladakh's education system. In 1988, he founded the Student Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh, or SECMOL. The organization's mission was to provide local children with an education tailored to their language and culture. Challenging the traditional rote learning system, he adopted a new and practical approach, encouraging children to learn through hands-on learning. He later founded the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Ladakh, which is now considered a major center for alternative education and research.
Ice Stupa technology brought international recognition.
Sonam Wangchuk didn't limit himself to education; he also innovated to address one of Ladakh's biggest problems: water scarcity. He developed the Ice Stupa technology, which functions like an artificial glacier made of ice, melting it in the summer to provide water for irrigation. This technology enabled the irrigation of hundreds of hectares of barren land in the region and enabled the planting of thousands of trees and gardens. This innovation earned him recognition not only in India but globally.


