Ladakh statehood activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has recently been arrested on charges of inciting a mob through provocative statements, once made headlines for a very different reason.
Back in 2017, the engineer-turned-education reformer appeared on the popular quiz show *Kaun Banega Crorepati* Season 9, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan. Wangchuk reportedly earned Rs 50 lakh from the show and impressed viewers with his game.
Instead of keeping the prize money for himself, Wangchuk donated the entire amount to his school in Ladakh, which is run under the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL). He announced that the winnings would be used for the upkeep and development of the institution. Additionally, Wangchuk planned to invest the prize money in establishing the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL) — a university envisioned to provide hands-on and practical training to the youth.
During the show, Wangchuk was accompanied by his former student, Tsewang Rigzin, who is now a journalist. A documentary on his school was also screened, showcasing girl students playing ice hockey on a rink within the campus.
Wangchuk charmed the audience with his confident responses and entertained host Amitabh Bachchan by delivering the actor’s famous film dialogues in French, Punjabi, and Ladakhi. He even recited verses from Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s poetry. Notably, Wangchuk inspired the character played by Aamir Khan in Rajkumar Hirani’s hit film *3 Idiots*.
### Sonam Wangchuk’s Arrest
However, the celebrated activist now finds himself at the centre of controversy. Sonam Wangchuk has been arrested under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), which allows preventive detention without bail.
Authorities allege that Wangchuk incited violence during ongoing protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Following his arrest, he was shifted to Jodhpur. Meanwhile, internet services in Leh were suspended to curb the spread of misinformation.
Wangchuk’s NGO, SECMOL, has also come under scrutiny. The Ministry of Home Affairs cancelled its Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration a day before his arrest, blocking it from receiving foreign funding.
The situation continues to develop, raising concerns among supporters and human rights advocates about freedom of expression and the future of activism in the region.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/how-much-did-sonam-wangchuk-win-on-kaun-banega-crorepati-9-what-did-he-do-with-the-money
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