Kaun Banega Crorepati
Indian PoliticsLadakh UnrestSonam Wangchuk

From 50 Lakh KBC Win to NSA Arrest: Sonam Wangchuk’s Tumultuous Ladakh Battle

Pooja Mishra | 4 min read | 1 week ago | Sep 27, 2025 07:02 pm IST
From 50 Lakh KBC Win to NSA Arrest: Sonam Wangchuk's Tumultuous Ladakh Battle

Remember Phunsukh Wangdu, the inspiring character from “3 Idiots” who championed innovative education? Meet his real-life inspiration, Sonam Wangchuk. While many know him from his impactful work and his impressive 50 lakh rupee win on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 9, his journey has recently taken a dramatic turn.

Once celebrated for donating his entire KBC winnings to educational causes in Ladakh, Wangchuk now finds himself at the heart of intense political unrest, shifting from an innovator to a prominent, and controversial, activist. The serene landscape of Ladakh has become a flashpoint, with Wangchuk at its epicenter.

What the Data Reveals

In 2017, Sonam Wangchuk captivated audiences on Amitabh Bachchan’s KBC, not just with his game play but also with his unique renditions of Bachchan’s dialogues. His significant winnings, approximately 50 lakh rupees, weren’t for personal luxury. Instead, he channeled every rupee into nurturing young minds and fostering innovation in his beloved Ladakh.

  • He donated all KBC winnings to the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) for its crucial maintenance and development.
  • A portion also went into establishing the groundbreaking Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), an institution designed to offer relevant education in a unique Himalayan context.

However, over the years, Wangchuk’s focus broadened. Driven by a deep concern for his region, he began passionately advocating for Ladakh’s constitutional protection under the Sixth Schedule and spearheaded calls for a “Gen Z revolution” to address the escalating issue of unemployment among the youth by 2025. This activism set the stage for the dramatic events that unfolded.

Join Our Telegram Channel

Stay updated with our latest posts and exclusive content

Real-Life Examples

The turning point arrived in late September 2025, when Ladakh erupted in violent protests. The peaceful innovator was suddenly labeled an agitator, culminating in a series of severe administrative actions:

  • September 24, 2025: Violent protests rocked Ladakh, tragically resulting in four deaths.
  • September 25, 2025: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) cancelled the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration of SECMOL. This move crippled SECMOL’s ability to receive vital foreign funds, a major setback for the institution Wangchuk had supported so passionately with his KBC winnings.
  • September 26, 2025: In a shocking development, Sonam Wangchuk was arrested under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), with authorities alleging he incited the mob. He was subsequently transferred to Jodhpur.
  • Concurrently, the Ladakh administration cancelled the land allotted to HIAL, claiming it wasn’t being used for its stated purpose. This decision directly impacts another of Wangchuk’s visionary projects.
  • Following the unrest and arrest, internet services in Leh were suspended on September 26, 2025, to prevent further spread of misinformation.

What You Should Do Next

These actions have ignited a fierce debate. Wangchuk vehemently denies all allegations of inciting violence. He contends that he is being targeted precisely because his voice has been the loudest in demanding justice and statehood for Ladakh. He maintains his advocacy is peaceful and constitutional, aimed at securing a better future for his people.

The situation highlights a complex struggle between advocacy for regional autonomy and governmental response to unrest. Understanding Wangchuk’s full journey—from KBC winner to education pioneer and now to a high-profile activist—is crucial to grasping the nuances of the ongoing developments in Ladakh.

Sonam Wangchuk’s story is a compelling reminder of how public figures can evolve, sometimes from celebrated innovators to controversial activists, especially when deeply committed to social change. His remarkable generosity on KBC now stands in stark contrast to his current legal and political challenges. The unfolding events in Ladakh, and Wangchuk’s role in them, will undoubtedly shape the region’s future.

What are your thoughts on Sonam Wangchuk’s journey? Share your perspective on the unfolding events in Ladakh in the comments below.