Violence in Leh, Ladakh, has once again put climate activist Sonam Wangchuk in the national spotlight. On Wednesday, protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule tribal status turned violent, leaving several dead, many injured, and around 50 people arrested.
The Ministry of Home Affairs accused Wangchuk of fueling the unrest, claiming his speeches “misled people” with provocative references to the Arab Spring and recent Gen Z protests in Nepal.
“A hunger strike was started by Sonam Wangchuk on September 10 stating the demand of (bringing the UT under) 6th schedule (of constitution) and statehood for Ladakh. It is well known that the government of India has been actively engaged with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on the same issues. A series of meetings were held with them through a formal channel of high-powered committee as well as sub-committee and multiple informal meetings with leaders,” the MHA's official statement read.
While Wangchuk is known internationally as a “climate warrior,” many people also recognize him as the real-life inspiration for Aamir Khan’s character Phunsukh Wangdu in the Bollywood hit 3 Idiots.
Now, amid the Ladakh unrest, a question often comes up, how much has Sonam Wangchuk earned so far?
Born on September 1, 1966, in Uley Tokpo, Ladakh, Wangchuk is now 56 years old. His educational journey took him from Vishesh Kendriya Vidyalaya and Delhi schools to NIT Srinagar, where he completed a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, and later to CRAterre School of Architecture in Grenoble, France, where he earned a Master’s in Earthen Architecture.
The Personage.com details that Wangchuk’s net worth stands at around $12 million (₹80 crore). This wealth comes not just from his engineering innovations and educational projects but also from recognition and awards that helped amplify his initiatives in Ladakh.
Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has reportedly opened a preliminary enquiry into alleged violations of foreign funding laws linked to Wangchuk and an institute he founded.
