'Close Schools, Open Liquor Bars': Sonam Wangchuk Slams Ladakh Admin
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk hits out at the Ladakh administration for issuing a notice to halt activities at the Desert Flower School in Phyang.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has launched a scathing attack on the Ladakh administration after it issued a notice to halt all activities at the Desert Flower School in Phyang. The school is run by the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL), an organization co-founded by Wangchuk and Gitanjali J Angmo.
The 'Shahi Farmaan' Controversy
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Wangchuk described the administration's directive as a "shahi farmaan" (imperial decree). He expressed his disbelief and frustration over the move, posing a sharp critique of the government's priorities by stating, "Close schools and open liquor bars."
The controversy stems from a notice issued by the Office of the Tehsildar, Leh, addressed to HIAL Founder and CEO Gitanjali J Angmo. The administration has ordered that no further activities be undertaken at the Desert Flower School until the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh reaches a decision on the matter.
Administrative Allegations vs. Global Recognition
According to the Ladakh administration, the school had begun conducting classes and other activities without securing the necessary approvals, clearances, or proper consent from the relevant authorities. The notice highlighted that while Angmo had written to the Deputy Commissioner of Leh on September 22 seeking a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the Managing Committee members, the required permissions were not in place.
Wangchuk, however, defended the institution by highlighting its prestigious track record and international acclaim. He pointed out that the work of HIAL has been recognized by several high-profile entities:
- India's Parliamentary Committee on Education: Recommended that the HIAL model be replicated across the entire country.
- Victoria and Albert Museum, London: Maintains a permanent display showcasing the institution's work.
- Time Magazine: Featured HIAL's projects within the "TIME 100 Climate Solutions" list.
"There's a lot of raita spread on internet/news about our school... And yet, they want it closed!" Wangchuk remarked.
Call for Media Fairness
Beyond the legal battle over the school, Wangchuk raised concerns regarding media bias. He urged news organizations that had readily covered the press conference held by the Lieutenant Governor's administration to provide equal space to his side of the story.
Linking this to the broader context of democratic values, he referenced India's standing on the Global Press Freedom Index, stating, "Let's hope that the media houses that carried the presser from the LG Administration so eagerly will also be just and fair enough to carry our response too and prove to the nation that India is still not so poor on the Global Press Freedom Index."