Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday paid homage to industrialist Ratan Tata and said that he could have been the richest man, but chose impact over income.
In a post on X, he highlighted how corporates can play a role in nation-building, he said, “Today we pay homage to Ratan Tata ji who could have been the richest man, but chose impact over income. Good corporates can play a big role in nation building. Next time you engage with a corporate or buy their products, do look up their ESG ranking.”
Notably, Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for the last four days at Ladakh Bhawan
“This morning is the beginning of the fifth day of our fast, surviving on salt and water alone. We are fasting for the safeguard of Ladakh and Himalayas, after having walked all the way from Leh to Delhi. But this morning I would like to pay homage to Ratan Tata. I have always admired them for their work in social welfare,” he said in a self made video.
Wangchuk and his supporters are advocating for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, seeking inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. They believe this would empower the local population to protect their land and cultural identity, a demand backed by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).
On October 5, Wangchuk launched an indefinite hunger strike to highlight the region’s demand for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Earlier on October 9, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to seek a response from Delhi Police, the Government of NCT Delhi, and other respondents on a plea filed by the Leh Apex Body.
A bench comprising Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Amit Sharma has directed the parties to submit their replies by October 16, 2024, with a detailed hearing scheduled for October 22, 2024.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi Police, opposed the plea, questioning the urgency of the protest.
The Apex Body Leh approached the Delhi High Court on October 8 seeking permission for Sonam Wangchuk and other ‘Padyatris’ to hold a peaceful protest (Anshan) at Jantar Mantar or another suitable location. (ANI)
