Sonam Wangchuk is a Ladakhi engineer, education reformer and climate innovator best known as the founder of SECMOL (Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh) and as the creator of the “Ice Stupa” — artificial conical glaciers that store winter water for use in the dry growing season.

Over three decades his practical, low-cost, community-driven approach has earned international recognition and several major awards.

Profile

• Full Name: Sonam Wangchuk
• Born: 1 September 1966
• Age: 59 years (as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Uleytokpo, near Leh, Ladakh (then Jammu & Kashmir, India)
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Engineer, Innovator, Education Reformer, Climate Activist
• Religion: Buddhism

Early life and education

Born in Uleytokpo near Leh in Ladakh on 1 September 1966, Wangchuk spent his childhood in a remote Himalayan environment where schools and basic services were limited. He was home-schooled in his early years and later moved to Srinagar and Delhi for formal schooling. He studied mechanical engineering at what is today the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar. His early experiences with education in Ladakh shaped his lifelong mission to reform schooling in mountain communities.

Founding SECMOL — education rooted in place

In 1988 Wangchuk and a small group of fellow students started the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL). SECMOL began as a grassroots response to an education system that marginalized Ladakhi students; the organization aimed to make learning practical, culturally relevant and tied to local realities. SECMOL’s solar-heated campus at Phey near Leh teaches skills, problem-solving and locally appropriate technology — helping students learn by doing.

The Ice Stupa — a simple idea with big impact

Around 2013–2014 Wangchuk adapted and reinvented glacier-grafting techniques into the “Ice Stupa.” The technique channels surplus winter water to a freezing site and sprays it so it builds into tall, cone-shaped ice mounds that store large volumes of water as ice. The conical shape minimizes surface area exposed to sun, letting the ice last longer and melt slowly in spring when farmers need water the most.

Other innovations and sustainable architecture

Wangchuk’s engineering touches extend to passive-solar design and low-cost, earthen construction. SECMOL’s buildings employ rammed-earth and passive-solar principles for warmth without fossil fuels. He has also promoted FarmStays, community tourism, and efforts to modernize mountain higher education to better fit local economies.

Recognition and awards

Wangchuk’s work has received global recognition: he was a Rolex Awards laureate in 2016 for the Ice Stupa initiative and received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018 for his education reforms and community engagement. Other honors include awards for sustainable architecture and social entrepreneurship.

Public profile

His inventive persona and hands-on solutions drew popular comparisons with the fictional character “Phunsukh Wangdu” in the film 3 Idiots. Wangchuk’s talks and media features helped spread awareness of Ladakh’s environmental challenges and the practical innovations coming from the region.

Recent developments (summary)

In recent years Wangchuk has been active in public debates about Ladakh’s governance and ecology. Some high-profile news coverage has reported protests and government actions involving organisations linked to him; readers should consult up-to-date, reliable news sources for the latest developments.

FAQs

Who is Sonam Wangchuk?

He is a Ladakhi mechanical engineer, education reformer and climate innovator — founder of SECMOL and the inventor of the Ice Stupa.

When and where was he born?

He was born on 1 September 1966 in Uleytokpo near Leh, Ladakh.

What is SECMOL?

SECMOL is an NGO founded in 1988 dedicated to reforming education in Ladakh with practical, culturally-sensitive learning and sustainable campus design.

What is an Ice Stupa?

An Ice Stupa is a man-made, cone-shaped ice structure built in winter to store water as ice so it melts slowly in spring for agriculture.

Has he won awards?

Yes — notable awards include the Rolex Award for Enterprise (2016) and the Ramon Magsaysay Award (2018).

Conclusion

Sonam Wangchuk’s combination of practical engineering, respect for local culture and commitment to public education offers a model of how communities can design resilient responses to climate change.

From solar-heated schools to Ice Stupas that store precious water, his work demonstrates that scalable, low-cost innovations can come from the places most affected by environmental change.

Karan Aujla is one of the most influential voices in contemporary Punjabi music — a songwriter-turned-superstar whose gritty lyrics, earworm hooks, and sleek production have earned him millions of listeners worldwide.

This biography traces his journey from a small Punjabi village to global stages, exploring his early life, breakthrough moments, signature songs, awards, controversies, and what’s next for the artist who reshaped modern Punjabi pop and rap.

Early life & background

Karan Aujla was born Jaskaran Singh Aujla on 18 January 1997 in the village of Ghurala in Ludhiana district, Punjab. He grew up writing lyrics and developing an ear for storytelling in Punjabi, which would later shape his distinct voice as both a songwriter and performer. During his formative years he migrated to North America where he continued to pursue music, balancing life between Punjab and the international Punjabi diaspora that would become a large part of his audience.

Musical beginnings — lyricist to performer

Aujla first earned attention as a songwriter, penning tracks for other Punjabi artists before stepping into the spotlight himself. His early releases showcased an ability to combine streetwise narratives with infectious melodies — a combination that translated well to streaming platforms and social media. Over time he transitioned from writing for peers to releasing singles under his own name, rapidly gaining traction for both his lyrical punchlines and delivery.

Breakthrough, major hits & discography

Karan Aujla’s catalog is loaded with songs that became cultural moments. Tracks like “Kya Baat Aa”, “Chitta Kurta”, “Don’t Look”, and later cinematic hits such as “Tauba Tauba” helped cement his place on Punjabi charts and international playlists. He’s also released studio projects and EPs that showcased artistic growth: notable entries include B.T.F.U. (2021), Making Memories (2023), and Street Dreams (2024). Aujla’s songs regularly accumulate millions of streams on platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube — proof of both his mass appeal and consistent output.

Style, themes & musical impact

Aujla’s music blends Punjabi folk cadences, contemporary hip-hop influences, and trap-flavored production. Lyrically he often navigates themes of ambition, street credibility, romance, and the trappings of success — delivered with a swaggering cadence and clever wordplay. This mixture made him particularly resonant with younger listeners in India, Canada, the UK, and beyond, contributing to the internationalization of Punjabi pop and rap.

Awards & notable milestones

Aujla has earned industry recognition and fan-voted accolades. A notable milestone was making history at the JUNO Awards, where he became the first artist of Punjabi descent to win the fan-voted Juno Fan Choice recognition — a marker of his growing footprint in Canada’s music scene and beyond.

Controversies, safety concerns & personal life

Karan Aujla’s rise hasn’t been without turbulence. In recent years he has publicly discussed safety concerns stemming from incidents while living in Canada; reports indicated multiple violent incidents affecting his property and prompted him to relocate from Canada to Dubai for personal safety reasons. These events have been widely reported in mainstream outlets and mark a dramatic off-stage chapter in his life. Aujla remains private about many personal details, but he continues to be active musically and on social platforms.

Business moves & collaborations

Beyond solo work, Aujla has collaborated with top Punjabi producers and singers and worked with labels and distribution services that expanded his reach. Strategic collaborations with producers such as Ikky and others have amplified his sound and presence in film as well — with songs featured in movie soundtracks and cross-industry projects further broadening his audience.

What’s next for Karan Aujla?

Aujla’s trajectory suggests continued musical output and larger cross-border collaborations. As Punjabi music continues its global ascent, expect Aujla to remain a prominent voice — releasing singles, collaborating with film projects, and exploring new sonic directions while retaining the lyrical edge that first made him a breakout artist.

FAQs

What is Karan Aujla’s real name and date of birth?

He was born Jaskaran Singh Aujla on 18 January 1997.

Where is Karan Aujla from?

He hails from Ghurala village in Ludhiana district, Punjab, India, and later lived in Canada.

What are some of Karan Aujla’s biggest hits?

Notable tracks include “Kya Baat Aa,” “Chitta Kurta,” “Don’t Look,” and “Tauba Tauba.” His albums include B.T.F.U. (2021), Making Memories (2023), and Street Dreams (2024).

Has Karan Aujla won any major awards?

Yes — among recognitions, he made history by winning a fan-voted JUNO Award, highlighting his international reach.

Why did Karan Aujla leave Canada?

Reports indicate he faced multiple violent incidents at his Canadian residence and decided to relocate for safety, later moving to Dubai. These events have been widely reported.

Conclusion

Karan Aujla’s biography is the story of a lyricist who transformed into one of Punjabi music’s most dynamic stars.

From the lanes of Ghurala to major streaming playlists and international awards, he’s reshaped how Punjabi music sounds and travels.

Despite off-stage challenges, his creative momentum remains strong — and as Punjabi music keeps growing globally, Karan Aujla is poised to stay at the forefront.

Priya Marathe (23 April 1987 – 31 August 2025) was a beloved Indian television and film actress known for her versatile performances in both Marathi and Hindi entertainment.

Over nearly two decades she built a body of work that included memorable roles on serials like Pavitra Rishta and Kasamh Se, as well as several popular Marathi shows and films. Her passing after a prolonged battle with cancer shocked fans and colleagues across India.

Profile Data

• Full Name: Priya Marathe
• Stage Name: Priya Marathe
• Born: 23 April 1987
• Age: 38 (at the time of her death in 2025)
• Birthplace: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Actress (Television, Film, Theatre)
• Height: Unknown
• Religion: Hinduism (reported)
• Parents: Unknown
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Shantanu Moghe (m. 2012)
• Children: Unknown
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life & Background

Born and raised in Mumbai (some profiles list Thane as her hometown), Priya completed her schooling and college in the city before stepping into acting. Her Marathi roots and early exposure to regional theatre and television helped shape the nuanced performances she later became known for.

Career Beginnings — Marathi Television

Priya began her screen career in Marathi serials, appearing in shows such as Ya Sukhanno Ya and Char Divas Sasuche, which established her in the regional industry and opened doors to Hindi television. Her early work showcased her ability to play both sympathetic and complex characters.

Breakthrough & Notable Hindi Roles

Priya’s visibility on the national stage rose after roles in Hindi serials. She made an impression as Vidya in Ekta Kapoor’s Kasamh Se and later gained wider recognition for playing Varsha in the cult-favorite Pavitra Rishta. She also had stints in other well-known shows like Bade Achhe Lagte Hain and appeared in reality and comedy programming.

Marathi Films & Theatre Work

Beyond television, Priya worked in Marathi films and theatre. She featured in Marathi cinema projects and stage productions, which kept her craft sharp and authentic. These roles underlined her dedication to regional arts even as she enjoyed nationwide popularity through Hindi TV.

Personal Life — Marriage to Shantanu Moghe

Priya married fellow actor Shantanu Moghe in a private ceremony on 24 April 2012. The couple’s relationship — which began as a long friendship before becoming a marriage — was often described in media profiles as warm and supportive; Shantanu, the son of veteran Marathi actor Shrikant Moghe, stood by Priya through both career highs and her illness.

The Illness & Passing

After privately battling cancer for more than a year, Priya Marathe passed away on 31 August 2025 at her residence in Mira Road, Mumbai. Reports indicate she had been fighting the disease for an extended period before her death, and news of her passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and the entertainment community.

Legacy & Public Reaction

Priya’s body of work — spanning Marathi and Hindi television, theatre, and films — left a clear mark on regional and national TV audiences. Many remember her as a performer who could take on both positive and negative characters with equal conviction. Following news of her passing, colleagues and fans shared memories and clips of her most impactful scenes, celebrating her craft and kindness off-screen.

Selected Filmography (TV & Film highlights)

• Ya Sukhanno Ya (Marathi)
• Char Divas Sasuche (Marathi)
• Kasamh Se (Hindi) — Vidya
• Pavitra Rishta (Hindi) — Varsha
• Tu Tithe Me, Tujhech Mi Geet Gaat Aahe (Marathi)
• Marathi films including Ti Ani Itar

FAQs

When was Priya Marathe born?

Several profiles list her birthdate as 23 April 1987.

Who was she married to?

She was married to Marathi actor Shantanu Moghe since 24 April 2012.

What caused her death?

News reports confirm she died after a long battle with cancer on 31 August 2025.

What are her most famous roles?

Her most recognized roles include Varsha in Pavitra Rishta and Vidya in Kasamh Se, along with standout parts in Marathi serials.

Conclusion

Priya Marathe’s career stands as a reminder of the rich cross-pollination between regional and national entertainment in India. Her talent, warmth and versatility earned her a devoted fan base and the respect of colleagues. Though her life was cut short by illness, her body of work and the memories she created on-screen will continue to be revisited by fans for years to come.