Gitanjali J Angmo
Gitanjali J Angmo is an Indian social entrepreneur, and educator, known for her work in education and community development in Ladakh. She is the Founder, CEO, and Dean of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh. She received the Women Transforming India Award by the Government of India for her contributions to education and community development.
Early life and education
Gitanjali was born in Balasore, Odisha to a Punjabi Jain family. She pursued a graduation in physics from Fakir Mohan University and then a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Marketing and Finance from Xavier [Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar].Career
Corporate and 'entrepreneurial ventures'Before transitioning into social entrepreneurship, Gitanjali had a career in the corporate sector. She later ventured into entrepreneurship, founding several businesses, including Pushan and Shanghai Power Projects Ltd.
As a social entrepreneur, she established Helios Books, Aum Hospitals, AUM Trust, and the Love Your Liver Foundation, focusing on education, healthcare, and wellness.
Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL)
In 2017, Gitanjali co-founded HIAL with her husband Sonam Wangchuk. HIAL aims to provide an alternative model of higher education tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of mountain communities. The institute emphasises a five-pillar framework: Contextual Learning, Experiential Learning, Transdisciplinary Approach, Community Engagement, and Holistic Development.Advisory 'roles and recognition'
Gitanjali has served as an advisor to the Maharashtra [International Education Board] and has headed a Cambridge-affiliated school in Chennai.
In 2022, she received the Women Transforming India Award by the Government of India through NITI Aayog, recognising her contributions to education and community development.
Personal life
A lifelong student of Sri Aurobindo's philosophy, the Vedas, and the Upanishads, Gitanjali integrates spiritual insights into her educational and developmental frameworks. She founded Transform India in 2022, aiming to inspire a holistic approach to nation-building.She is married to Sonam Wangchuk and identifies herself as a practising Hindu.