In the 2009 film 3 Idiots, actor Aamir Khan dazzled viewers with his unusual inventions even as he navigated college and adult life. But the work of Sonam Wangchuk, the real life man who inspired the reel life characterisation of Phunsukh Wangdu, is no less impressive. Founder director of the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh, he has come up with several simple yet new solutions for complex problems. The education reformist is well known for inventing the Ice Stupa technique to create artificial glaciers.
Now, the engineer has created yet another product - drawing praise from many including Indian businessman Anand Mahindra who helms the Mahindra Group. Sonam Wangchuk has created solar heated military tents that can be used by 10 Indian Army jawans at a time and is completely portable. Going by his post introducting his creation on Twitter, the tent is intended for use in exceedingly cold climates such as that in Ladakh's Galwan Valley.
"Replaces tons of kerosene, pollution #climatechange For 10 jawans, fully portable all parts weigh less than 30 Kgs," he added in his tweet. The carbon neutral creation is also a Made in India product, having been created in Ladakh itself.
"Sonam, you’re the MAN! I salute you. Your work is energising, even this late in the evening," tweeted Anand Mahindra in response to the post.
The idea of solar heated tents has set Twitter aflutter, with many cheering for Wangchuk and congratulating him. Others still have taken to asking questions to find out more about the tents and their usage and practicality. Others still appear to be thrilled at the fact that the tents manage so solve a problem even while keeping up with the government's push to make India Aatma Nirbhar.
