Background
Sonam Wangchuk, an educationist and climate activist, and his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, are accusing the Ladakh administration of unfairly targeting Desert Flower School. The controversy began after the administration ordered the school to cease operations.
What Happened?
On November 1, 2026, the Tehsildar Leh issued a notice to HIAL Founder and CEO Gitanjali J Angmo, instructing the school to halt all activities until the matter is resolved in the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. This action follows a pending legal case.
School Details
Desert Flower School, run by the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), began operations this year, enrolling 50 students. The school operates within a building belonging to HIAL.
Administration’s Reasoning
The Ladakh administration cited a lack of proper consent, clearances, and approvals as the reason for the notice. They referenced a letter dated September 22, 2026, from Gitanjali Angmo requesting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the school’s Managing Committee.
Wangchuk and Angmo’s Response
Sonam Wangchuk and Gitanjali Angmo stated they had followed the required procedures for registration and approval but faced delays. They held a press conference to address the situation, highlighting the school’s achievements, including recognition from the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Victoria & Albert Museum London, and Time Magazine.
Next Steps
The school’s activities are currently suspended pending the outcome of the legal proceedings in the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Source: Moneycontrol.com. Featured image credit: Moneycontrol.com.
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