Sonam Wangchuk — the renowned engineer, innovator, and environmentalist who inspired the character of Phunsukh Wangdu in 3 Idiots — has found himself at the center of a political storm in Ladakh. Once hailed as a national hero for his pioneering work in sustainable development and education, Wangchuk is now being branded a ‘traitor’ by some for leading protests demanding constitutional safeguards for Ladakh.

The controversy began when Wangchuk and several local leaders launched peaceful demonstrations calling for Sixth Schedule status and statehood for Ladakh, arguing that the region’s fragile ecosystem and unique culture were at risk following its separation from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. His fasts and protests — often held in freezing temperatures — drew national attention, but also criticism from political groups who accused him of “anti-national” motives.

Wangchuk maintains that his movement is not political but rooted in protecting Ladakh’s people, land, and environment. “We only want what was promised when Ladakh became a Union Territory,” he said in a recent statement, emphasizing the peaceful nature of his activism.

Analysts see the backlash as a reflection of India’s growing tension between grassroots activism and government control over dissent. For many, Wangchuk remains a symbol of integrity and environmental responsibility; for others, his demands challenge the central government’s narrative on Ladakh’s development.

As the protests continue, the story of Sonam Wangchuk stands as a complex reminder of how quickly public perception can shift — from hero to dissident — in the evolving landscape of Indian politics.