The real life Phunsukh Wangdu – Mr. Sonam Wangchuk visits FLAME

Fascinated by simple mechanics of physics, Mr. Sonam Wangchuk wants to spread the love of learning, not for marks and definitely not for passing. He hence founded SECMOL- the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh to transform education into being practical and fun! This school is meant for the ‘labeled failures’ in our society, to provide them the platform to apply their knowledge of simple science and creativity in real world scenarios.

Mr. Wangchuk believes that memorizing kills learning and confidence of students and said, “If failures can achieve what toppers dream of, then there is something wrong in the system”. His school is run by students themselves; they have parliament type sessions for discussion of ideas, nurseries maintained by students, concept of germ theory where they learn the science behind and art of making jam and sell it. They even learn geography, innovation and apply concepts in science used on campus around earth, sun, ice and fire.

Now, he has hit upon another inspiring idea – to build artificial glaciers in the upper reaches of Ladakh. The idea behind artificial glaciers, or ice stupas as they are referred to, is to freeze and hold the water that flows away down the streams and into the rivers throughout the winter. Instead, this ice will melt during springtime, just when the fields need watering.

If only every individual had as simple, yet visionary ideas as those of Mr. Wangchuk’s, the world would be a better place to live in!

We were thrilled to have him interact with us at FLAME University.