Sonam Wangchuk has been in the news every now and then. Last we heard; he was fasting unto death. But just a few days ago, news of Wangchuk attending a conference in Pakistan made the news.
Sonam Wangchuk participated in the ‘Breathe Pakistan’ climate conference in Islamabad, an event organized by Dawn Media to raise awareness about environmental challenges.
Fake “Environmentalist” Wangchuk is in #Pakistan to attend global climate conference —part of Dawn Media’s ‘Breathe Pakistan’ intiative, reportedly with funds from QUILL FOUNDATION of TEESTA SETALVAD.
Says people should stay in Cities LEAVING Mountains ALONE!
समझ रहे हो, बिनोद? pic.twitter.com/NxWpPejZzY
— BhikuMhatre (@MumbaichaDon) February 8, 2025
During the panel discussion on “Glacial Melt: A Sustainable Strategy for the Water Towers of South Asia,” Wangchuk reportedly stressed the need for urban populations to adopt simpler lifestyles in order to protect mountain ecosystems. He stated that people in cities should reduce their consumption levels so that those living in mountainous regions could sustain themselves without excessive environmental stress.
He also praised Pakistani media outlet, Dawn Media for taking the lead in addressing climate change and expressed hope that other media organizations, including those in India, would assume similar responsibilities. He said, “In Pakistan, I see Dawn Media is taking that responsibility as a champion of environment. I wish all countries and, in my country, and media house really take this responsibility like here.”
Wangchuk reportedly spoke about the role of leadership in tackling climate change. While some world leaders continued to deny the issue, he is said to have acknowledged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mission Life initiative as a positive step towards encouraging sustainable living. He remarked that this was the kind of leadership expected from global figures, media houses, and celebrities to ensure a safer environment for people living in mountainous regions.
Who Is Sonam Wangchuk?
Ladakh-based alleged activist Sonam Wangchuk has often been in the news for his hunger strikes and more recently, he was on a hunger strike demanding Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution for greater autonomy. However, the Delhi Police at that time detained him at the Singhu border (in October 2024.)
Wangchuk, often linked to the character of Rancho from 3 Idiots, comes from an influential political family. His father, Sonam Wangyal, was a Congress minister in J&K. Over the years, he received significant support from foreign organizations such as the Ford Foundation, Tata Trust, and Rockefeller Foundation. His wife, Rebecca Norman, an American educator with links to U.S. institutions, has also been a subject of scrutiny.
Wangchuk held various advisory roles under the Congress-led UPA government and collaborated with international NGOs. His work, including projects like Ice Stupas, gained Western media attention but faced skepticism from locals.
Despite initially supporting the repeal of Article 370, Wangchuk later opposed its aftermath, with Pakistan using his statements against India. His demands now include halting army construction in Ladakh for environmental reasons, a stance that has sparked controversy. Critics question his international affiliations and whether his activism aligns with India’s strategic interests.
In March 2024, he abused Lord Ram and Goddess Sita during an interview with NDTV. While criticizing the Modi government for not fulfilling its promise to include Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule, he compared the government’s actions to Lord Ram rescuing Sita from Ravan but then selling her in the open market. He said, “I see it in the way that they [Central government] turned out to be such Ram who freed Sita from Raavan but didn’t take her home rather they put her on sale in an open market. So like this, they have left Ladakh open for industrialists and mining lobbies without any protection [from the government],”
He claimed that while Ladakh was freed from one problem, it was left vulnerable to industrialists and mining lobbies without government protection. His remarks drew widespread condemnation on social media for being derogatory toward Hindu deities.
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