Sonam Wangchuk’s Mission: A Journey from Leh to Delhi for Himalayan Conservation
Activist Sonam Wangchuk is leading a padyatra from Leh to Delhi to remind the government of a promise made five years ago. The group, which started with 100 people, has grown to 150-200 as they received support in Himachal Pradesh.
Wangchuk said, “As soon as we entered Himachal Pradesh, we received immense support in all the villages and valleys. We aim to take the message of conservation of the Himalayas to everyone. People are coming together with us and we have received immense support from the government as well, be it medical support and security.”
Their mission is to raise awareness about the importance of the Himalayas and the need for stronger ecological protections for Ladakh. Wangchuk has also been advocating for statehood and inclusion under the 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution for Ladakh.
Earlier, Sonam Wangchuk ended a nine-day fast in Leh to draw attention to the importance of safeguarding Ladakh’s fragile mountain ecology and indigenous people. After the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir was split into two Union Territories–Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh.
Doubts Revealed
Sonam Wangchuk -: Sonam Wangchuk is an Indian engineer, innovator, and education reformist from Ladakh. He is known for his work in sustainable development and education.
padyatra -: A padyatra is a long walk or march undertaken for a cause. In this case, it is a journey on foot from Leh to Delhi to raise awareness.
Leh -: Leh is a town in the Ladakh region of India. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and is a popular tourist destination.
Delhi -: Delhi is the capital city of India. It is a large city with many important government buildings and historical sites.
Himalayas -: The Himalayas are a mountain range in Asia, which includes the highest peaks in the world, like Mount Everest. They are very important for the environment and climate.
Himachal Pradesh -: Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India, known for its scenic mountains and hill stations.
ecological protections -: Ecological protections are measures taken to preserve and protect the environment, like keeping the air and water clean and protecting wildlife.
Ladakh -: Ladakh is a region in northern India, known for its stunning landscapes and unique culture. It became a Union Territory in 2019.
statehood -: Statehood means becoming a state within a country, with its own government and more autonomy.
6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution -: The 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides special protections and autonomy to certain tribal areas in India. It helps preserve their culture and manage their resources.
