Sonam Wangchuk is a pivotal figure in the Ladakh region, recognized for his leadership in the fight for statehood. He spearheaded a hunger strike to bring attention to the cause. An engineer, educator, and environmentalist, Wangchuk has been at the forefront of the movement to secure the rights of Ladakh’s people, particularly in response to the changes brought about by the removal of Article 370. His demand involves placing Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to enhance autonomy and protect its unique cultural and environmental assets. This campaign gained visibility through a 2020 hunger strike that resonated nationwide. Wangchuk’s influence extends beyond activism, having inspired the character Phunsukh Wangdu in the film *3 Idiots*, a comedy-drama directed by Rajkumar Hirani, co-written by Abhijat Joshi, and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The film highlighted his educational innovation and impact.
