Sonam Wangchuk, the jailed climate activist, has requested a thermometer to conduct experiments aimed at improving his prison barracks. The 55‑year‑old Magsaysay Award winner, who has been held in solitary confinement in Jodhpur’s Jodhpur Central Jail since September 26, 2025, says the device will help him study temperature variations and design eco‑responsive architecture that could make the harsh conditions more bearable.
Background and Context
Wangchuk’s detention follows a wave of protests in Ladakh that demanded statehood and a Sixth Schedule status for the region. The unrest, which erupted on September 24, left four people dead and 90 injured, prompting the government to invoke the National Security Act (NSA) and arrest several activists. Wangchuk, a former educator turned environmentalist, was among those taken into custody two days later.
He is a co‑founder of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), an organization that promotes sustainable living and climate‑resilient communities. His activism has earned him national and international recognition, including the prestigious Magsaysay Award in 2019. The actor Aamir Khan’s character in the 2009 blockbuster 3 Idiots was inspired by Wangchuk’s educational philosophy.
While in jail, Wangchuk has been observed studying ants in his barracks, a behavior his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, noted in a recent post on X. Angmo, who co‑founded HIAL with her husband, has filed a habeas corpus petition challenging his detention and seeking his immediate release. The next hearing is scheduled for January 29.
Key Developments
On Wednesday, Angmo posted that she had finally given Wangchuk a book on ants, titled Ants: Workers of the World by Eleanor Spicer Rice and Eduard Florin Niga, along with other climate‑change literature he had requested. She added that Wangchuk has asked her to check with the jail administration and the Supreme Court of India whether he can obtain instruments such as a thermometer to conduct “simple experiments about eco‑responsive architecture to make the jail barracks better.”
Wangchuk’s request is not merely a curiosity. He believes that by measuring temperature fluctuations and studying the behavior of ants—known for their collective problem‑solving—he can devise passive cooling strategies that could reduce the need for electricity and improve living conditions for inmates.
Key points of the development include:
- Sonam Wangchuk jail thermometer request – a device that could provide real‑time data on temperature and humidity.
- Use of ant behavior studies to model cooperative systems for building design.
- Potential collaboration with prison authorities to implement low‑cost, sustainable solutions.
- Legal implications of providing scientific equipment to a detainee under the NSA.
Wangchuk’s wife has also highlighted that the books he received were gifts from his eldest brother, underscoring the personal support network that continues to back his activism even from behind bars.
Impact Analysis
For students and young activists, Wangchuk’s initiative illustrates how scientific inquiry can intersect with human rights advocacy. His approach demonstrates that even in restrictive environments, research can be pursued to address practical problems—here, the uncomfortable heat of prison barracks.
From a broader perspective, the case raises questions about the role of scientific tools in correctional facilities. If a jail can accommodate a thermometer for a single inmate, it opens the door to other educational and rehabilitative programs that could benefit the wider inmate population.
Moreover, the story highlights the ongoing tension between state security measures and civil liberties. The NSA’s use in detaining activists has drawn criticism from human rights groups, who argue that such measures can stifle dissent and impede access to basic resources, including educational materials.
For climate activists, Wangchuk’s experience underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability. Even when physically confined, he continues to pursue solutions that align with his environmental mission, offering a powerful example for those facing obstacles in their own work.
Expert Insights and Practical Guidance
Environmental engineer Dr. Rina Patel, who has worked on passive cooling projects in arid regions, notes that a simple thermometer can provide valuable data for designing shade structures and ventilation systems. “Temperature logs over time can reveal peak heat periods and help in scheduling activities or installing natural ventilation,” she says.
Legal scholar Prof. Arjun Mehta cautions that while providing a thermometer may seem innocuous, it could be construed as facilitating an escape plan or contraband. He advises activists to seek clear permission from prison authorities and to document all communications to avoid misunderstandings.
For students studying environmental science or public policy, Wangchuk’s case offers several lessons:
- Leverage interdisciplinary research—combining biology (ant behavior) with engineering (temperature control).
- Maintain transparent documentation—keep records of requests, approvals, and data collected.
- Engage with stakeholders—prison officials, legal counsel, and advocacy groups—to build a coalition that supports scientific inquiry.
- Use open‑source tools—free software and low‑cost sensors can reduce barriers to experimentation.
Students can also explore how to apply similar methodologies in community projects, such as designing low‑energy housing or monitoring microclimates in urban parks.
Looking Ahead
Wangchuk’s request for a thermometer is a small but symbolic step toward integrating science into correctional settings. If the Supreme Court or jail administration grants permission, it could set a precedent for other inmates to pursue educational projects, potentially improving rehabilitation outcomes.
Meanwhile, the upcoming hearing on January 29 will determine whether Wangchuk’s detention under the NSA can be challenged. A favorable ruling could lead to his release and a broader debate on the use of the NSA against environmental activists.
Should the court uphold his detention, Wangchuk’s continued advocacy—through books, online posts, and scientific experiments—may galvanize international attention and pressure the government to reconsider its approach to dissent.
For the broader climate movement, Wangchuk’s story reinforces the need for robust legal frameworks that protect activists while ensuring national security. It also highlights the potential for science to serve as a bridge between oppressive conditions and constructive change.
Reach out to us for personalized consultation based on your specific requirements.