HIAL’s recognition withheld over Wangchuk’s role in Ladakh movement
New Delhi accused of trying to divide Ladakh leadership amid delay in dialogue
Srinagar: Despite recognition of its “exemplary” work, the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), founded by Ladakh educator and activist Sonam Wangchuk, has yet to receive official recognition from the India’s University Grants Commission (UGC), due to Wangchuk’s prominent role in the movement for political rights in Ladakh.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Indian parliamant’s Standing Committee on Education, Women, Youth and Sports, headed by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh, noted that HIAL has made a significant impact in Ladakh through experiential education, community engagement, and sustainable initiatives, including the famous ice stupas. The panel urged the Indian Ministry of Education to study HIAL’s model and consider replicating it through Centres of Innovation in Education.
The committee expressed concern over the long-pending recognition by UGC, praising HIAL’s implementation of the NEP 2020, which emphasizes project-based learning, community engagement, and integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). The delay in recognition is widely seen as linked to Wangchuk’s activism, including his detention under the NSA following Ladakh protests for statehood and Sixth Schedule status.
Meanwhile, Indian authorities have reached out to Leh Apex Body co-chairman Cherring Dorjay Lakruk for an individual meeting, in what observers say is a bid to create divisions among factions of the Ladakh political movement, as New Delhi continues to delay formal dialogue with regional leaders.
Ladakh leaders had submitted a draft proposal following October subcommittee-level talks with the Indian Home Ministry, but no new meeting date has been announced. Lakruk confirmed being contacted for a possible individual meeting in New Delhi, though he has not yet decided whether to attend. The move comes amid growing frustration among Ladakh representatives over what they describe as unwarranted delays in resuming discussions on key demands, including statehood and Sixth Schedule status for the Union Territory.
Ladakh representatives, including MP Hanifa Jan, have expressed concern over the “unwarranted delay” in talks and demanded a high-powered committee meeting.
