Sonam Wangchuk Honors Ratan Tata During Hunger Strike for Ladakh’s Rights
On October 10, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk paid tribute to industrialist Ratan Tata, highlighting his choice of impact over income. Wangchuk, who is on a hunger strike, emphasized the role of corporates in nation-building and urged people to consider companies’ ESG rankings when purchasing products.
Wangchuk has been fasting for five days, surviving on salt and water, to advocate for Ladakh’s constitutional safeguards. He and his supporters are pushing for Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule to empower locals to protect their land and culture. This demand is supported by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance.
On October 5, Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike to draw attention to Ladakh’s demand for statehood and constitutional inclusion. The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Delhi Police and other respondents regarding a plea by the Leh Apex Body. The court has set deadlines for responses and scheduled a detailed hearing.
The Leh Apex Body seeks permission for Wangchuk and others to hold a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the plea, questioning the protest’s urgency.
Doubts Revealed
Sonam Wangchuk -: Sonam Wangchuk is an Indian engineer and innovator known for his work in education reform and sustainable development, especially in the Ladakh region.
Ratan Tata -: Ratan Tata is a well-known Indian industrialist and former chairman of Tata Sons, a large Indian multinational conglomerate. He is respected for his business ethics and philanthropy.
Hunger Strike -: A hunger strike is a form of protest where a person refuses to eat to draw attention to a cause or demand change.
Ladakh -: Ladakh is a region in northern India known for its beautiful landscapes and unique culture. It became a separate Union Territory in 2019.
Constitutional Safeguards -: Constitutional safeguards are protections provided by the law to ensure the rights and interests of a particular group or region are respected and preserved.
ESG Rankings -: ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. ESG rankings evaluate how companies perform in these areas, focusing on sustainability and ethical impact.
Sixth Schedule -: The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides special provisions for the administration of tribal areas in certain northeastern states, allowing them to have greater autonomy.
Delhi High Court -: The Delhi High Court is a high court in India that deals with legal matters and disputes in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Solicitor General -: The Solicitor General is a legal officer who represents the government in court cases. Tushar Mehta is the current Solicitor General of India.