Sun Dec 14 06:29:38 UTC 2025: Headline: Parliamentary Panel Urges UGC to Recognize Sonam Wangchuk’s Himalayan Institute of Alternatives

New Delhi – A parliamentary panel has urged the University Grants Commission (UGC) to grant recognition to the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), founded by Ladakh educator and activist Sonam Wangchuk. The committee, headed by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh, expressed concern over the long-pending recognition in its report tabled in Parliament earlier this week.

The panel lauded HIAL’s academic, research, and entrepreneurship ecosystem, particularly its successful implementation of experiential education rooted in local socio-cultural and ecological contexts. The committee highlighted HIAL’s impact on the local community and international recognition for its innovative initiatives like ice stupas.

The report also noted that HIAL exemplifies the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing experiential learning, community engagement, and integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS).

In addition to urging the UGC to grant recognition, the panel recommended that the Ministry of Education closely study the HIAL model and consider replicating it elsewhere through Centres of Innovation in Education or other interventions.

The recommendation comes amidst controversy surrounding Mr. Wangchuk’s recent detention under the National Security Act (NSA) and subsequent allegations of inciting violence during protests in Ladakh. Prior to the detention, the Ladakh administration had cancelled the land allotment to HIAL, and the Union Home Ministry had cancelled its Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration, citing alleged violations.

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