Keylong: Sachin Mirupa, a 32-year-old activist from the tribal region of Lahaul-Spiti, is fired with a mission—to fight for the constitutional rights of indigenous people and address the environmental crisis threatening the Himalayas.
After walking the entire length of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra from September 2022 to January 2023, Sachin has now joined Sonam Wangchuk’s 1000 km Climate March from Leh to Delhi.
A committed Gandhian and passionate nature lover, Sachin is known for his relentless efforts toward empowering local self-governments and advocating for the decentralization of power.
His fight for the constitutional rights of the native people of Lahaul-Spiti has earned him recognition as a dedicated activist in the region.
Sachin, who is also an active member of the Save Lahaul-Spiti Society, joined Wangchuk’s march on September 12, 2024, from Darcha and will accompany him all the way to Delhi, where the march will conclude on October 2, 2024.
The Save Lahaul-Spiti Society, of which Sachin is a part, has thrown its full support behind the climate march, recognizing the urgency of addressing both environmental and tribal rights issues in the region.
Speaking about his participation, Sachin emphasized the importance of protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and securing the rights of tribal communities, who have been the custodians of these mountains for centuries.
"The Himalayas are at a critical point, and it’s not just about climate change; it’s also about safeguarding the constitutional rights of the people who live here. The march is a call to action, not just for the government but for all of us," said Sachin.
His dedication to environmental causes and the fight for the rights of tribal communities aligns closely with the goals of the Climate March, which aims to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect the Himalayas from unscientific development and the impacts of climate change.
As Sachin marches alongside Sonam Wangchuk, he carries with him the dreams of his fellow Lahulis, determined to fight for a sustainable future for the Himalayas and its people.
