MVC Col Sonam Wangchuk: "The Lion Of Ladakh"
When Humility Meets Valour!
Who is Col. Sonam Wangchuk?
Col. Sonam Wangchuk (MVC) (Retd.), born on 11th May 1964, is an Indian Army veteran who has been decorated for his valiant service. Along with the Mahavir Chakra, he has also been awarded the Videsh Seva Medal (VSM) for his tenure in Sri Lanka during operations against the LTTE, as per the Government’s orders.
Col. Sonam graduated from Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi. During his college days, he was exceptionally fit and often ran cross-country for miles. Noticing his dedication, his uncle, who served in the Army, encouraged him to join the forces.
From the documentary released by the then Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, and through several interviews that I have watched, it is evident that Col. Sonam Wangchuk has numerous achievements, yet remains remarkably humble. Seeing the calm smile on the face of a man who once unleashed fierce wrath upon the enemy is both comforting and inspiring. It strengthens my respect for the nation.
For the youth, this alone is enough to instill a sense of civic duty, because if someone can serve the nation with such courage and without a trace of ego, then the least we, as civilians, can do is abide by the law, remain resilient, and constantly think about what we can contribute to this country.
Why is He Called "The Lion of Ladakh?''
This incident took place when Col. Sonam Wangchuk was serving as a Major in the Indian Army. Though commissioned in the Assam Regiment, he had moved to the Ladakh Scouts due to personal reasons shortly before the Kargil War. His Commanding Officer granted him the permission to transfer. He bid farewell with a final “Tagda Raho,” unaware that destiny was calling him to the forefront of history.
By 1999, Pakistani intrusions had begun along the Indian frontiers. Ironically, just months prior, India’s then Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had taken a historic initiative to improve relations with the hostile neighbour, Pakistan. Yet in May 1999, conflict erupted in the Chorbat La pass in the, Batalik sector, even in historic times, this pass was used by Ladakhi kings for invasion.
Before I proceed, let me recount a beautiful episode. Major Wangchuk was new to the Ladakh Scouts and was about to lead men he had never met before, straight into battle. During this time, his unit had the rare opportunity to receive blessings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who tied a sacred thread on the soldiers’ wrists. This gesture deeply boosted their morale. It was a moment of profound faith and courage, reaffirming the ancient truth: “धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः” meaning, Dharma protects those who uphold it. Here, Dharma signifies righteousness, not religion.
The patrol, led by Hon. Capt. Tunjub Dorjay (Retd.) (SM), then a Naib Subedar, encountered four enemy soldiers climbing toward them. They eliminated them at close range. However, soon after, they found themselves trapped under heavy enemy fire from a superior position. But, our troops' sense of humor in those tense situations, is in itself a topic of discussion, they say, it felt like Diwali, and as I and many believe, people who have their sense of humor intact in the toughest situations are greatest, and so are our soldiers. Their radio set was damaged, but they managed to transmit two brief words back to base, alerting Major Wangchuk of the crisis.
Major Wangchuk immediately sought permission from his Commanding Officer to rescue the patrol but was initially refused, as the enemy strength was unknown and the danger of ambush was high. After further deliberation, permission was granted.
He turned to his men and declared: “Gentlemen! We are going to save them, those men are our own!” This single line ignited pride and resolve in his troops. They revered him as a Royal Officer, a leader who always led from the front.
As Major Wangchuk’s column advanced, they were suddenly ambushed. Hundreds of bullets rained down like a storm. The troops could not move at all. In the cross fire that lasted for about half an hour, tragedy struck, Havaldar Tsewang Rigzin was hit and made the Supreme Sacrifice.
In the Indian Army, losing a soldier is the deepest wound an officer can feel. Major Wangchuk recalled his father’s words echoing in his mind: “Sonam, you are amongst your people, they look up to you.”
He ordered one man to stay back with the fallen soldier, as per protocol, and pressed ahead with the remaining troops, despite lacking modern gear or snow camouflage. They wore standard olive-green combat uniforms in lethal, white terrain.
Upon reaching the enemy-held heights, Major Wangchuk split his force into two teams: one from his group and the original stranded patrol. They decided to scale the cliff from two different directions. The night was stormy, freezing, and communication radios were dead. The only signal between teams was a flashlight, an immense risk, as it could expose them to the enemy.
But bravery prevailed.
Reaching the top, they discovered four to five enemy positions. Before firing, a thought crossed Major Wangchuk’s mind, he had been trained not just to fight, but to protect the nation’s honour and its people. What followed was thunder. The valley echoed with triumph.
They captured the position. No counterattack came, there was no Pakistani officer present to reorganize resistance. After securing the post, they found the enemy dead. Pakistan refused to claim the bodies. Major Wangchuk ensured they were buried with full military honours, a gesture of soldierly dignity.
This was the first major victory of the Kargil War, paving the path for many more, ultimately leading India to victory in 1999.
For his extraordinary courage, Major (now Colonel) Sonam Wangchuk was awarded the Mahavir Chakra, India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award. Havaldar Tsewang Rigzin was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakr India's third-highest wartime gallantry award.
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