Srinagar: Despite recognition of its “exemplary” work, the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), founded by Ladakh educator and activist Sonam Wangchuk, has yet to receive official recognition from the India’s University Grants Commission (UGC), due to Wangchuk’s prominent role in the movement for political rights in Ladakh.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Indian parliamant’s Standing Committee on Education, Women, Youth and Sports, headed by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh, noted that HIAL has made a significant impact in Ladakh through experiential education, community engagement, and sustainable initiatives, including the famous ice stupas. The panel urged the Indian Ministry of Education to study HIAL’s model and consider replicating it through Centres of Innovation in Education.
The committee expressed concern over the long-pending recognition by UGC, praising HIAL’s implementation of the NEP 2020, which emphasizes project-based learning, community engagement, and integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). The delay in recognition is widely seen as linked to Wangchuk’s activism, including his detention under the NSA following Ladakh protests for statehood and Sixth Schedule status.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Indian parliamant’s Standing Committee on Education, Women, Youth and Sports, headed by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh, noted that HIAL has made a significant impact in Ladakh through experiential education, community engagement, and sustainable initiatives, including the famous ice stupas. The panel urged the Indian Ministry of Education to study HIAL’s model and consider replicating it through Centres of Innovation in Education.
The committee expressed concern over the long-pending recognition by UGC, praising HIAL’s implementation of the NEP 2020, which emphasizes project-based learning, community engagement, and integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). The delay in recognition is widely seen as linked to Wangchuk’s activism, including his detention under the NSA following Ladakh protests for statehood and Sixth Schedule status.