Sonam Wangyal was remembered on his 21st death anniversary on November 11, with Lieutenant Governor (LG) Ladakh, Radha Krishna Mathur paying tribute saying that the late Sonam Wangyal was a people’s leader with a secular approach. 

Special prayers were offered for peace of late leader. LG Ladakh, guests and family members offered ‘Khataks’ at his memorial Stupa. Similar Khataks offering ceremony at the portrait of Late Sonam Wangyal was also held at the main function at Degree College.

“His efforts in bringing solutions to the people’s problems and his movements on every issue with a commitment to transform the political and administrative system were the symbol of a great leader,” added Lieutenant Governor (LG) Ladakh, Radha Krishna Mathur.

Assenting with the proposal of LAHDC as well as people’s demand for naming Open Stadium and Youth Hostel at Spituk after Sonam Wangyal, Mathur said that it will be a small tribute to the great leader of Ladakh. LG further urged the people of all sections of the society to work together for accomplishing the ideal and directions set by late Sonam Wangyal and lead Ladakh towards prosperity.

Thupstan Chhewang, Former Member Parliament, who was the guest of honour in his speech said that Sonam Wangyal was the most prominent leader who laid a strong political foundation in Ladakh. He further said that Wangyal was the most trusted colleague of Late KG Bakula who together set a vision of prosperous Ladakh.

Speakers spoke high of Sonam Wangyal as a true leader of poor masses with a revelation at a time when providing leadership to the people of Ladakh was not an easy task. They appreciated the very crucial role of Wangyal who worked tirelessly to uplift the deprived Ladakhis in those critical times.

A book highlighting the life, struggles and contributions of late Sonam Wangyal in uplifting the Ladakhi society was also released by the Lieutenant Governor on this occasion. Besides on behalf of Sonam Wangyal Memorial Society, LG distributed education sponsorship cheques among some deserving schools.

Gyal P Wangyal, CEC, LAHDC, Leh in his vote of thanks said that one among his late father Sonam Wangyal’s priority was to give education to all the children especially to the girl child. Sonam Wangyal Memorial Society has started a programme of providing educational sponsorship to the poor children studying in various private as well as Govt schools. Gyal Wangyal said that this initiative would discourage dependence on foreign sponsorships and would surely encourage other well-off people in our society to come up with a similar helping hand in the education of poor and needy children. 

He extended gratitude to the LG Ladakh for chairing the event and expressed hope that under the leadership of Mathur, Ladakh will achieve all its developmental targets. 

Presidents and representatives of various religious, political and social organizations, family members, friends and colleagues of late Sonam Wangyal and a galaxy of prominent personalities were present on the occasion.