A parliamentary committee that recently lauded the work of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's institute in Ladakh has expressed dismay over his subsequent arrest under the stringent National Security Act (NSA). The Standing Committee on Education, Women, Youth and Sports, which visited the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL) in July 2024, submitted a report to Parliament on December 8, 2024, calling its work "exemplary."
Parliamentary Praise and a Stark Contrast
The committee, comprising 31 members from both ruling and opposition parties and headed by Congress Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh, was deeply impressed during its visit. The panel recommended that HIAL be granted University Grants Commission (UGC) recognition, noting its success in creating an academic and entrepreneurial ecosystem rooted in local socio-cultural contexts.
In a stark contrast, Wangchuk was arrested on September 26, 2024, from Leh, and the NSA was invoked against him. The Ladakh Union Territory administration accused him of instigating violent protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Constitution's Sixth Schedule.
"Is This His Reward?": Committee Head Reacts
Digvijaya Singh, in conversation with The Indian Express, strongly criticised the arrest. "This is the reward he got!" Singh stated. He emphasised that Wangchuk's work was non-partisan and aligned with the government's own educational vision. "Mr Narendra Modi should be very grateful to him because he has virtually implemented the NEP 2020 in letter and spirit," Singh said, referring to the National Education Policy that stresses experiential learning.
Singh highlighted Wangchuk's initiatives, such as special schooling for students who failed board exams and the innovative ice stupa project to combat water scarcity. "Sonam is one person who has really acted on Narendra Modi's 'think globally and act locally' message," he added, questioning the rationale behind the arrest.
Cross-Party Acclaim for HIAL's Model
Other committee members echoed this sentiment. Amar Kale, NCP (SP) MP from Wardha, described the visit as "a very good experience" and praised the institute's work with students and in areas like farming and water preservation. "It felt bad when he was arrested... A man doing such good work being put behind bars," Kale remarked.
Even a BJP MP from the Rajya Sabha, who was part of the visiting delegation and wished to remain anonymous, acknowledged HIAL as "a good initiative." The MP clarified, "We don't agree with Wangchuk's political views, but his work in the field of education, alternative education, learning in the natural environment... the effort is good."
Pending Recognition and Legal Battle
The parliamentary report expressed concern over the UGC's delay in granting recognition to HIAL, a process pending since 2021. The committee urged the UGC and the Department of Higher Education to study the HIAL model for potential replication elsewhere.
Wangchuk's wife and HIAL co-founder, Gitanjali Angmo, who is leading the legal fight for his release, stated that the institute first applied for UGC recognition in 2021. She noted that while many students seek entrepreneurial skills rather than degrees, the institute loses 40%-50% of potential students because it cannot award formal degrees. Currently, HIAL offers only 11-month fellowships to about 100 students.
The arrest has cast a shadow over an institution that once received public appreciation from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in March 2023 and was featured in a UGC lecture series. Wangchuk's plea challenging his NSA detention has been adjourned to January 7, 2025, by which time he will have spent over three months in custody.
