Sonam Wangchuk: A Scientist’s Mind Behind Bars, Learning the Lessons of Freedom from Ants

Jodhpur Central Jail, usually known for housing hardened criminals and high-profile inmates, is witnessing an unusual transformation. The prison has, in many ways, turned into a laboratory of ideas—thanks to renowned climate activist, educationist, and Ramon Magsaysay Award winner Sonam Wangchuk, who has been lodged there for the past 119 days.

Detained under the National Security Act (NSA), Wangchuk has converted his prison barrack into a space for observation, learning, and innovation. Even in confinement, the scientist’s mind continues to question, explore, and experiment.

Learning from Ants, Thinking of Sustainable Design

During a recent meeting with his wife Geetanjali, it was revealed that Wangchuk is currently kept in solitary confinement but remains deeply engaged in intellectual pursuits. He has requested books on ants, including “Ants: Workers of the World,” and is closely observing their teamwork, discipline, and collective resilience within the prison premises.

Inspired by these tiny creatures, Wangchuk is reportedly drawing parallels between their cooperative behavior and the idea of freedom, resilience, and community living—lessons he believes are relevant even within prison walls.

Thermometer for an Eco-Friendly Jail?

In another unusual move, Wangchuk has sought permission from the court and prison authorities to be provided with a thermometer. His aim, according to sources, is to study temperature variations inside jail barracks and explore ways to make prison architecture more “eco-responsive” and humane.

He is keen to experiment with low-cost, climate-friendly design solutions that could reduce heat stress inside barracks and improve living conditions for inmates—an idea consistent with his lifelong work on sustainable architecture and environmental conservation.

Legal Battle Continues

Sonam Wangchuk was taken into custody on September 26, 2025, following protests demanding full statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. A habeas corpus petition challenging his detention is currently pending before the Supreme Court, with a crucial hearing scheduled for January 29.

Until then, Wangchuk remains behind bars, but his thoughts and experiments continue to push boundaries—raising questions not just about his detention, but also about how prisons themselves can evolve.

A Legacy of Reform Behind Bars

This is not the first time a high-profile inmate has expressed interest in prison reforms. In the past, actor Salman Khan had also spoken about improving prison infrastructure and helping poor inmates during his incarceration. However, Wangchuk’s approach stands out for its scientific and educational depth.

As the country awaits the Supreme Court’s decision, one thing is clear: even behind iron bars, Sonam Wangchuk refuses to let his spirit of innovation be confined. His unusual mission—learning from ants and measuring prison heat—has added a new dimension to the debate on incarceration, human dignity, and sustainable reform.