Kargil war hero Sonam Wangchuk, who was awarded the Mahavir Chakra, died on April 10, 2026. He was known as the 'Lion of Ladakh', who left many Indians in tears.
The retired Army veteran, Sonam Wangchuk, left countless Indians in tears as he took his last breath on April 10, 2026. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh penned a heartfelt tribute to the proud son of Ladakh, who has been known for his heroism during the crucial Kargil War and for leading the Operation Vijay in the high-altitude conditions.
Sonam Wangchuk was known as the Lion of Ladakh. He was one of the most impressive fauji of the Kargil War. Sonam was born on May 11, 1964, in Sankar near Leh. He was known for leading Operation Vijay. He was born and brought up in a spiritual Ladakhi family and was influenced by Buddhist teachings.
Sonam Wangchuk's father was a follower of the Dalai Lama and had links with Kushok Bakula Rinpoche. It is the reason why Sonam Wangchuk had a calm temperament, and he respected nature. He studied in Himachal Pradesh, and he completed his graduation in history from Delhi University. While his family believed that he would make a career in civil services, he chose the army as he was inspired by his family's journey and military services.
Sonam Wangchuk was commissioned in the Indian Army in 1987, and he began his journey in the challenging conditions of Northeast India to Sri Lanka. He later became part of the elite Ladakh Scouts, the unit known for staying on their foot during the high-altitude warfare zone. Over his time in the military, he earned multiple service and campaign medals and survived in the harshest environments.
However, Sonam is still known for his heroism during the Kargil conflict in 1999. He was then a Major and led a Ladakh Scouts column in the Batalik sector. He was tasked to secure the strategic Chorbat La ridge at nearly 18,000 feet. Despite facing a heavily armed and huge enemy, his team won the war.
Despite casualties and extreme conditions, Wangchuk led his group and launched a surprise counter-attack. This led to enemy losses, and they were forced to retreat. Sonam was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery under extreme situations, and he marked his name in golden letters in the list of Indian war heroes.
Sonam Wangchuk retired with honour in 2018. After this, he remained out of the limelight and lived a low-profile life. Despite it, he never stopped his journey of giving back to the country; he mentored youth. His life journey reached many with his documentary, The Lion of Ladakh. It shows his military journey and his personal life. His journey continues to inspire young officers. His work and leadership during the Kargil war made him a hero forever in the entire country.
On April 10, 2026, Sonam Wangchuk took his last breath, Indian Army offered their condolences. They stand in solidarity with his family during the hour of immense grief. In a post on X, Rajnath Singh also paid him a tribute and called him as a highly decorated officer of the Indian Army, famous for his leadership and unwavering commitment to duty. The post can be read as:
"A proud son of Ladakh, he exemplified the spirit of the region -- resilient, steadfast and deeply rooted in service to the nation, while standing as a symbol of India's unity in diversity. His courageous actions of leading by personal example during Operation Vijay inspired his men under the most demanding conditions in high-altitude."
Kargil war hero, Sonam Wangchuk's life journey and heroism will always be remembered.
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