Recognition Urged for Innovative Himalayan Institute

A parliamentary committee has praised the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, founded by Sonam Wangchuk, for its innovative educational model. Despite its success, it remains unrecognized by the UGC. The panel recommends studying its methods for wider adoption, urging prompt recognition. Recent controversies include land and FCRA issues.

The Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, founded by Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk, has been lauded for its innovative education model by a parliamentary committee. The institute's work aligns with the new National Education Policy, yet remains unrecognized by the University Grants Commission.

The committee, led by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh, expressed concern over the pending recognition, highlighting HIAL's impact on local communities and its international acclaim for initiatives like ice stupas. It recommends that the Ministry of Education examine the HIAL model for potential replication in other areas.

Despite these achievements, the institute faces challenges including the cancellation of its land allotment and FCRA registration by government authorities, following Wangchuk's detention amid protests in Ladakh.

(With inputs from agencies.)