Gitanjali Angmo, the wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, recently announced her intention to represent him at a march if he is unable to attend. Her commitment came after visiting Wangchuk, who is currently on a hunger strike. Wangchuk was reportedly removed from Jantar Mantar and taken to Safdarjung Hospital against his will, prompting Gitanjali to voice her concerns about the government’s actions. Her advocacy for Wangchuk has placed her in the national spotlight, particularly after she successfully worked towards securing his release following a five-month detention related to protests in Ladakh.

Background of Gitanjali Angmo

Gitanjali Angmo has maintained a relatively low profile compared to her husband, despite being a pivotal figure in various initiatives aimed at addressing challenges faced by the Ladakhi community. She co-founded the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), which focuses on sustainable solutions in the region, including renewable energy projects. The institute gained attention for developing solar-heated tents for the Indian Army, although it faced scrutiny in the previous year for alleged violations concerning foreign funding.

Originally from a Punjabi family in Balasore, Odisha, Gitanjali completed her bachelor’s degree in physics and an MBA from prestigious institutions. Following a 15-year career in the corporate world, primarily in Denmark, she returned to India and ventured into entrepreneurship, setting up multiple businesses, including a publishing house.

In 2017, Gitanjali partnered with Sonam Wangchuk to establish HIAL. Their professional partnership evolved into a personal relationship, as she has revealed in previous interviews. She noted how their shared interests in education created an immediate connection when they first met at an education conference.

Advocacy and Public Attention

Gitanjali emerged as a strong supporter during Wangchuk’s detention under the National Security Act (NSA) last September. His arrest followed violent protests in Ladakh over demands for statehood, which tragically resulted in fatalities and injuries. Throughout this ordeal, Gitanjali took significant steps to challenge his prolonged detention through legal means, a move believed to be instrumental in his eventual release after 170 days.

Following Wangchuk’s hunger strike initiated on June 28, Gitanjali remained active in promoting his cause through written pieces in various publications. While she refrained from joining him on the protest site, her efforts highlighted the seriousness of Wangchuk’s demands regarding educational reform and government accountability. As health concerns arose during Wangchuk’s protest, Gitanjali persistently sought updates on his condition and shared them through social media.

As the situation unfolded, Gitanjali made headlines again when she characterized the circumstances surrounding Wangchuk’s hospitalisation as inappropriate. She cited the government’s actions as not only excessive but also insufficiently transparent. Despite the challenges faced, she announced her intention to lead a march to Parliament to convey Wangchuk’s message if he was unable to do so, signalling her determination to continue the fight for their shared goals.

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