They say,
Not all heroes wear capes,
Not all angels play The harp and sing,
Not all angels have wings.
Evidence to acknowledge this statement is hard to find in the cruel world we live in, but it is not impossible. Kindness and generosity still exist, albeit in strange frames and unexpected events. There are still people who understand; what it is to be human? What it is to make yourself useful for others. One of these incredible people is Sonam Wangchuk. Spending his
years utilizing his knowledge in all ways possible in the hills of Ladakh, this Engineer and innovator is a man of influence. Many people graduate as engineers and doctors, lawyers, and accountants, yet a very select few make a worthwhile living out of it. To use your abilities to the best depth possible is a task few accomplish. He is the man who inspired the role of Phunsuk Wangdu in the all-time hit, 3 Idiots. He is the founding director of the Student's Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), founded in 1988 by a group of students who had been the 'victims' of an alien education system foisted on Ladakh. He is also known for designing the SECMOL campus that runs on solar energy and uses no fossil fuels for cooking, lighting, or heating. He
is making the best use of his education, knowledge, and capabilities. His projects like Ice Stupa, Ladags Melong, Operation New Hope, and his investments in local property innovation and advancements are an inspiration to many. His achievements also number in the political world. In 2013, on repeated requests from the student community of Ladakh, Wangchuk helped launch NLM – the New Ladakh Movement – a social campaign and Ladakh's version of Green Party with the aim of working for sustainable education, environment, and economy. The party was, however, as decided by the members, later made into a non-political social movement. Given the latest Indo-china clashes in May 2020, Sonam Wangchuk appealed to Indians to use "wallet power" and boycott Chinese products. This appeal was covered by major media houses and supported by various celebrities. At the age of 54, he has more awards to his name than bananas in a dozen. Some of these include the prestigious State Award by the J&K government, Man of the year by The Week, Real heroes award by CNN, and many more rightly deserved honors. Mr. Wangchuk is an epitome of a responsible citizen of our country. Theodore Roosevelt said, "The first requisite of a good citizen in this Republic of ours is that he shall be able and willing to pull his own weight; that he shall not be a mere passenger, but shall do his share in the work that each generation of us finds ready to hand; and, furthermore, that in doing his work he shall show, not only the capacity for sturdy self-help but also self-respecting regard for the rights of others." He inspires youth all over the world to understand the real meaning of education. Find enjoyment in whatever work you do. We should all remember to indulge in the beauty of the journey rather than always awaiting the destination. As Sonam Wangchuk himself once said,
Don't follow the footsteps. Take time to study them.
