What did Sonam Wangchuk do with cash he won on Amitabh Bachchan’s Kaun Banega Crorepati?

Ladakh's social activist, Sonam Wangchuk, has been arrested on the charges of inciting a mob through proactive statements. For the unversed, Aamir Khan's character in the film 3 Idiots was inspired by him. The education reformer has been arrested under the strict NSA (National Security Act). The act, being as stringent as it is, allows for preventive detention without bail. He was accused of inciting violence during the protests demanding statehood in Ladakh.The activist, currently going through a major turmoil in his personal life, was once in the news for very different reasons. In 2019, the social activist, who was an engineer first, appeared on the famous quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.

What amount did he win?

The activist and reformer had reportedly won Rs. 50 lakh back in 2019. He did not impress people just through his game but also did so by his charitable and nice nature. Sonam Wangchuk had donated the entire amount that he won to his school in Ladakh. The school is run under the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL).

He announced that he would use the money for the upkeep and maintenance of the school. He had also announced that he would invest the money he won to establish the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), a university that would be able to provide hands-on experience and training to the youth of the nation.

On the show, a student of his also came along with him. The student was Tsewang Rigzin, who is now a journalist.

While the show was going on, a documentary on his school was also screened. The activist also charmed the entire audience and viewers through his fun personality and his confident intellect. Sonam recited verses from Harivansh Rai Bachchan's poetry and then spoke Amitabh Bachchan's dialogues in French, Punjabi, and Ladakhi.

Sonam Wangchuk's arrest

The celebrated and respected activist is currently in the middle of a turmoil. He has been arrested under the National Security Act for the charges of inciting violence. After his arrest, he was shifted to Jodhpur, while the internet services in Leh were suspended. His NGO, Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh, is also under sharp scrutiny. The Ministry of Home Affairs cancelled his FCRA (Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act) registration a day before his arrest. This means that the NGO cannot receive any foreign funding.