“Can a remote school in the Himalayas, tucked away from modern conveniences, truly connect with the world?”
This question lingered as we received an email from Manjushree Vidyapith, a humble yet transformative school in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. Their challenge? Stable internet connectivity—a hurdle that restricted their operations, including maintaining contact with international donors who sustain much of their work.
Manjushree Vidyapith, a sanctuary for orphans, destitute, and physically challenged children, stands as a beacon of hope in one of India’s most remote regions. For over 25 years, the school has nurtured its students’ spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social growth. Despite limited resources, they’ve empowered children to become contributing members of society. Yet, their efforts were stymied by the absence of reliable internet, a necessity in today’s interconnected world.
Tawang, a remote district perched at over 10,000 feet, faces significant educational challenges. According to reports, Arunachal Pradesh has a literacy rate of 65.38%, well below the national average of 77.7%. Factors like difficult terrain, lack of infrastructure, and limited resources mean that many children in Tawang and similar regions have restricted access to quality education. The situation worsens when digital learning—now an integral part of modern education—remains out of reach for most schools.
The Journey to Connection
Our journey began in November 2020, traveling over 2,500 kilometers from Maharashtra to Tawang. The roads twisted through towering cliffs and icy passes, every turn emphasizing the isolation of this region. Upon reaching Manjushree, the scale of the challenge became clear.
The school, surrounded by the rugged Himalayas, had no mobile network, let alone internet connectivity. Even conducting our feasibility survey—a task requiring basic connectivity—proved difficult. We set up temporary shop in a small café in the town center, the only place with a faint internet signal.
Hours of work followed, testing, recalculating, and reimagining how to bring stable connectivity to the school. The task was daunting. In regions like these, conventional solutions like satellite internet are fraught with issues—frequent cloud cover disrupts signals, speeds are inconsistent, and maintenance is nearly impossible without local support teams.
Our plan was ambitious but grounded: a wireless network leveraging a fiber-optic-connected tower nearby. But wireless technology in such terrain comes with its own hurdles—it requires a clear line of sight between connection points. Identifying these points amidst snow-covered peaks and dense forests was like finding needles in a haystack.
Yet, after meticulous planning and countless cups of tea, we identified a potential link: a mountain peak offering a direct line of sight to the school. It was a small victory on a journey filled with uncertainty.
Making the Impossible Possible
Five months later, we returned with equipment in hand and hope in our hearts. Setting up the infrastructure tested every ounce of our determination. Hiking through steep trails, battling freezing temperatures, and troubleshooting technical challenges in real time—each step was a reminder of the sheer remoteness of Manjushree.
But finally, the connection came to life. The first test email sent from the school was a milestone that reverberated far beyond the walls of Manjushree Vidyapith.
The Transformative Impact
Connectivity has redefined what is possible for the Manjushree community:
Revolutionizing Education Students now have access to online educational tools, virtual classrooms, and resources that were previously beyond their reach. Concepts like coding, virtual experiments, and global collaborations have entered their curriculum, opening doors to opportunities that seemed unimaginable just a year ago.
Strengthening Donor Relations With stable internet, the school can communicate seamlessly with its international donors, ensuring continued financial and operational support. The transparency and ease of communication have strengthened these relationships, securing the school’s future.
Empowering Teachers and Administration Teachers now utilize digital teaching aids, enriching the learning experience. Administrative tasks, from student records to resource management, have become more efficient, allowing the staff to focus more on their mission.
Building Global Connections The internet has brought the world to Manjushree. Students watch documentaries, participate in global conversations, and dream bigger dreams. It’s not just connectivity; it’s a lifeline to hope and inspiration.
Beyond Technology: A Lesson in Humanity
This project wasn’t just about installing equipment; it was about bridging gaps—technological, geographical, and societal. Manjushree taught us that the challenges of remote connectivity are not just logistical but deeply human.
The school’s spirit of compassion and resilience left an indelible mark on us. Their dedication to nurturing children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, despite limited resources, exemplifies the kind of determination that moves mountains—sometimes literally.
In turn, we were reminded of the profound responsibility we carry in our work. Internet connectivity is not a luxury; it is a fundamental enabler of equality and opportunity.
A Brighter Future
Today, Manjushree Vidyapith stands as a shining example of what’s possible when technology meets purpose. The school’s journey from isolation to integration is a testament to the power of collective effort and the transformative potential of connectivity.
As we reflect on this project, we’re not just proud of the technical success but deeply grateful for the human connections it fostered. The internet at Manjushree isn’t just a tool; it’s a bridge to a brighter, more inclusive future for every child who calls this school home.
The story of Manjushree Vidyapith is a reminder: No place is too remote, and no challenge is insurmountable when driven by the belief that every child deserves a chance to dream, connect, and thrive.
“Imagine a place where every phone call is a journey, where a single email means hours on the road. For the children and community of Jhamtse Gatsal, this was more than just inconvenience—it was isolation.”
High in the untouched foothills of the Himalayas, nestled in a valley that echoes with peace and resilience, lies Jhamtse Gatsal—a sanctuary aptly named the “Garden of Love and Compassion.” Here, the community has thrived on shared values of care, mindfulness, and self-sufficiency, but one essential lifeline remained out of reach: connection to the outside world. While the rest of us can instantly connect, learn, and reach across continents with a single click, the people of Jhamtse Gatsal have waited years to simply reach beyond their remote valley.
For the community and children, reliable internet wasn’t just a convenience—it was a dream barely within sight.
But in 2022, everything changed. Thanks to the tireless efforts of a small team and a series of innovative solutions, Jhamtse Gatsal was finally connected to the world. And it all started with a call for help.
Lobsang Phuntsok, a former Buddhist monk and the founder of Jhamtse Gatsal, had a vision—not only for the future of the children in his care but for the entire community that supported them. The idea was simple yet profound: to nurture the children as you would a garden, with love, compassion, and patience, so they could grow and flourish. But the challenge was clear. Without reliable internet access, how could the children, teachers, and community leaders access the knowledge and opportunities they so desperately needed?
A phone call one and a half years ago was the catalyst for change. The community reached out to us, explaining their dire situation. The nearest source of internet was far away, and even then, their connection was so weak that to make a single call or send an email, they had to walk miles or drive hours to reach the nearest spot with a stable signal. The idea of a simple, reliable internet connection seemed impossible, but this community’s need was undeniable.
Our team headed to Arunachal Pradesh to execute this life-changing project. The journey was long and the terrain difficult, but the drive to bring hope and connection to this isolated community kept him going. After overcoming geographical challenges and implementing creative solutions, the connection was finally live.
Now, the impact has been nothing short of transformational. Teachers can access the internet from their classrooms and even from their homes. This newfound connectivity enables them to conduct research, attend virtual meetings, and access telemedicine services—paving the way for better healthcare. Students, too, now have access to vast resources and can connect with the world beyond their valley. This shift is not just about the convenience of being online; it’s about changing the course of the future for these children, providing them with opportunities for learning and growth that would have been unimaginable before.
For Genla, the founder, it was a game changer. He shared with us how, when he traveled to Delhi years ago, the first thing he would do was download shows and movies to enjoy back at the community. And now, with stable internet, he can easily make WhatsApp or Zoom calls from anywhere on campus—something that once seemed impossible, yet now is part of his everyday reality.
This is not just about technology. It’s about what technology enables. It’s about creating a future where distance, geography, and lack of resources no longer stand in the way of dreams.
At Jhamtse Gatsal, the seeds of hope and possibility are being planted every day. With the internet now part of their lives, the community has a clearer path ahead. And as they continue to grow, the world will be watching, and supporting, as these tiny seeds blossom into something extraordinary.
What does it take to bring the internet to one of the most remote places on Earth? At 4,500 meters above sea level, Hanle in Ladakh is a secluded valley where connectivity has long been a distant dream. Surrounded by mountains and a vast, open sky, this remote area in India is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory and a small local community. Yet, against all odds and after months of relentless effort, our team at MUFT, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, has achieved the impossible—delivering internet connectivity to Hanle’s observatory and villages.
Into the Heart of Ladakh’s Wilderness
Our journey began at the base camp in Stok, Leh. After months of strategizing and preparing, we loaded the equipment, ready for the 4,500-meter ascent into Hanle.
Day 1 Fueled by a mix of anticipation and nerves, the team spent the first day in final preparations, strategizing every detail of the route ahead.
Day 2 The trek began in earnest. The drive through Ladakh’s vast, rugged landscape was awe-inspiring, with snow-capped peaks and miles of stark wilderness as far as the eye could see. This was no easy terrain, but the thrill of the mission and the collective determination kept us moving forward.
Our first attempt to establish a connection from the base station fell short. But in Hanle, failure wasn’t an option. We regrouped, recalibrated, and forged ahead.
The challenges in Hanle extend well beyond the road’s ruggedness. Without a stable electric grid, power shortages are common here. We relied on solar power, but even that isn’t dependable half the time, so we supplemented with diesel generators—a delicate balance, especially at these altitudes and temperatures.
Day 3 This was the breakthrough we had been waiting for. After extensive testing and troubleshooting, our link finally went live. We celebrated this milestone quietly but intensely—it was a collective victory. The observatory base camp was now connected for the first time.
Our next step took us to the defense personnel quarters. In collaboration with the army, we established internet connectivity for the signals division, enabling them to test the connection’s stability and speed.
Finally, we reached out to local families in the area, connecting a few homes with broadband access. It was a historic first for Hanle, bringing the promise of connection and opportunity to its residents.
Day 4 Temperatures plunged below freezing, yet the warmth of success radiated among the team. With the unwavering support from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, we began establishing connectivity around the observatory itself. Standing alongside these dedicated scientists was a privilege—they, too, are accustomed to working in extreme environments from Hanle to Antarctica, all in the pursuit of discovery.
A Historic First for Hanle
As we completed our work, the realization set in—Hanle was no longer isolated. The observatory and surrounding communities were connected to the world, a groundbreaking shift for this remote area. For MUFT, this project was more than just another milestone; it was a triumph over one of the most challenging terrains, and a promise fulfilled to a community that had waited for years.
In the coming months, our services will become commercially available to all of Hanle, transforming how its people connect and communicate with the rest of the world. Here, the stars will always shine brightly, but now, they’ll be joined by a new kind of light—a light of opportunity, learning, and connection.
On the road back from Hanle, Ladakh, our team encountered something extraordinary. In the remote beauty of Gompo village, we met a group of women who could only be described as the Ladakhi Clean Up Heroes. With no financial aid or government support, these women regularly gather in groups of five, each covering different stretches of land, to pick up trash left behind by tourists. Their efforts are a stark reminder of the increasing litter problem in Ladakh, driven largely by the influx of domestic travelers.
What stood out most was their sense of responsibility. Without complaints or demands for resources, one woman simply said, “This is our home. If we don’t take care of it, who will?”
The Growing Problem
Tourism has brought economic benefits to Ladakh, but it has also resulted in a surge of litter, particularly from domestic Indian travelers. Pristine landscapes are now blemished with plastic bottles, wrappers, and waste. As these women explained, the trash problem has escalated over the past few years, threatening the beauty of their homeland.
Amy Vanakan, a photographer from Colorado who documents disappearing cultures, joined us and shared her reflection on this: “Being a traveler is such a privilege, so please be respectful of other people’s homes.” Her words echo a sentiment we must all remember: travel is not just about experiencing new places but also about leaving them as we found them—or better.
Action Over Words
The Ladakhi Clean Up Heroes embody action. Their work, done without fanfare or outside assistance, is a powerful example of what real environmental stewardship looks like. Each group covers a stretch of five kilometers, and their dedication is a reminder that even the smallest efforts can create meaningful change.
Littering is not just an environmental issue—it’s a reflection of how we value the places we visit and the communities we impact. The responsibility to keep these places clean extends to everyone, young and old alike. Teaching this sense of accountability is crucial if we want to preserve not just Ladakh but every natural space for future generations.
Why It Matters
Littering shows a lack of respect for the environment and the people who live in these spaces. It’s easy to think that one discarded bottle won’t make a difference, but when millions of people think the same way, the damage becomes significant.
They remind us that protecting the environment doesn’t require grand gestures—just simple, consistent action. If these women, with no outside help, can make a difference, so can we.
As we left Gompo village, their message resonated deeply: “If we don’t take care of it, who will?” It’s a call to action for all of us, to be more mindful of our impact and to take responsibility, no matter where we are. Through our actions, we must educate the young and old alike on the importance of keeping our planet clean.
In the summer of 2024, a remarkable transformation took place in a secluded corner of India. It wasn’t a grand bridge, a towering skyscraper, or even a paved road that changed the lives of hundreds; it was something invisible, something most of us take for granted—Wi-Fi. This is the story of how the people of Sangti Valley in Arunachal Pradesh crossed the digital divide, one connection at a time.
A Valley of Silence: Life Before Connectivity
Nestled among the Himalayan mountains, the Sangti Valley is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, lush green fields, and crystal-clear rivers. Yet, despite its natural beauty, Sangti Valley had one glaring absence: the internet. In a world that’s constantly buzzing with online activity, the residents of this valley lived in near-total isolation from the digital realm.
For years, communication meant traveling long distances, information was shared by word of mouth, and everyday tasks that required internet access were simply out of reach. Students struggled without online learning resources, farmers relied on outdated agricultural practices, and healthcare workers operated without the advantage of instant access to medical information. For the rest of us, it’s hard to imagine life without the internet, but for the people of Sangti Valley, this was their reality.
The Journey Begins: Connecting Sangti Valley
Our mission was simple yet daunting: establish a free Wi-Fi zone in a place where the word “internet” was still a distant concept for many. As we traveled deeper into the valley, the challenge became more apparent. The terrain was rugged, infrastructure almost non-existent, and the idea of setting up a stable internet connection seemed like a moonshot. But it was a shot worth taking.
The people of Sangti Valley welcomed us with open arms, curious about the strange equipment and cables we brought with us. We could see the hope and anticipation in their eyes, a hope that maybe, just maybe, this little project of ours could open a window to a world they had never experienced before.
Facing the Challenges: Overcoming the Digital Desert
The first hurdle we faced was the complete lack of infrastructure. The valley, isolated and untouched by modern technology, presented a tough challenge. Traditional methods like laying down cables or installing cell towers weren’t feasible in this terrain. But we were determined. Our team decided to install a hotspot right in the heart of the valley, offering unlimited internet access to see how the community would respond. It was a leap of faith, and we weren’t sure what to expect.
To our amazement, within days, over 1,000 unique users had accessed the service. Families gathered around with their smartphones, children’s eyes lit up as they watched videos and learned new things, and the elderly found joy in video calls with relatives living miles away. It was as if the valley had come alive, buzzing with the excitement of newfound connectivity.
Finding Balance: Managing the Unprecedented Demand
As the word spread, more and more people began logging on, and we quickly realized that unlimited access wasn’t sustainable in the long run. We needed a way to ensure that everyone could continue to benefit without overwhelming the system. That’s when we introduced a voucher-based model, granting each user an hour of internet access daily. This was more than just a management tactic; it was a way to teach the community about the value of connectivity, to encourage them to make the most out of every hour online.
The Impact: Stories from Sangti Valley
One of the most heartwarming moments was when an elderly man approached us one evening. He told us that for years, he had lost touch with his son, who worked in a distant city. But thanks to the free Wi-Fi, they were now speaking daily, sharing stories, laughter, and moments they had missed over the years. It’s stories like these that remind us why we took on this project in the first place.
It wasn’t just about providing internet; it was about giving this community a chance to be a part of a much bigger world.
What We Learned: A Blueprint for Future Connectivity Projects
Looking back, the Sangti Valley project taught us valuable lessons about bridging the digital divide. The key was not just in providing access but in understanding how people would use that access. We learned that connectivity isn’t just about the technology; it’s about building relationships, fostering curiosity, and creating opportunities.
We also realized that a sustainable model was crucial. The voucher system ensured fair access for everyone, making sure that this initiative would last and continue to serve the valley’s needs. It was about empowerment, not just giving away free internet.
The Road Ahead: Expanding the Vision
As we packed up our gear and left Sangti Valley, we couldn’t help but feel that this was just the beginning. There are countless other communities like Sangti, isolated from the digital world, waiting for their chance to connect. And we’re more determined than ever to bring the promise of free Wi-Fi zones to them.
Because in the end, this isn’t just about internet access. It’s about giving people a voice, a means to reach out, and a chance to be heard. It’s about empowering communities to tell their stories, connect with loved ones, and explore endless possibilities that come with being a part of a connected world.
And as we continue this journey, one region at a time, we know that every hotspot we set up is more than just technology – it’s a beacon of hope, lighting up lives, and bridging worlds that once seemed so far apart.
After years of struggle, the Government Primary School is now connected to the internet—an achievement that has breathed new life into the small school. For the teachers and students, this connection is not just about accessing digital resources; it’s about bridging the gap between their world and the vast possibilities beyond. It has ignited a sense of excitement, hope, and transformation that now pulses through every lesson and every day.
For years, the school faced challenges most urban institutions wouldn’t think twice about. One such challenge was marking student attendance. In a world that has embraced digital systems, the teachers in Stok were instructed by the government to submit attendance online. But there was a problem—there wasn’t any internet at the school. To comply, teachers were forced to leave the school grounds daily, laptop in hand, in search of a weak mobile hotspot signal just strong enough to mark attendance. It was an exhausting and inefficient process, one that stole precious time away from teaching and created unnecessary stress.
When we arrived in Stok for an initial survey, we knew that providing internet to this remote village wouldn’t be straightforward. Our team, specializing in connecting some of the most challenging areas in India, quickly realized that the landscape and lack of infrastructure would complicate the installation. At first, we considered installing the internet access point near a large Buddha statue in the village, but upon further inspection, that location proved unsuitable.
Undeterred, we brainstormed alternative solutions and eventually came up with an unconventional idea: installing the device on a tree. From this elevated position, we were able to run cables to the school building, securing a stable connection for the first time. It wasn’t an easy task—routing the cables through the village and ensuring the devices were secure in Ladakh’s harsh environment required precision and creativity. But once everything was in place, the results were transformative.
Now, the teachers at the Government Primary School in Stok can mark attendance from within the school itself, saving valuable time and energy. No more trekking around the village in search of a signal. But this improvement goes beyond the simple act of marking attendance. The government has long intended for schools like this one to introduce digital learning, and now, thanks to the internet connection, that goal is within reach. As soon as the school receives computers and other resources from the government, students will be able to participate in online lessons and access the same wealth of information available to students in more connected parts of the country.
For the teachers, the new internet connection is equally life-changing. Up until now, they had to complete government-mandated training sessions from home, as the school lacked the necessary infrastructure. With the new connection in place, teachers can now access online training materials and resources on-site, giving them the tools they need to improve their skills without leaving the school grounds.
The journey to connect the Government Primary School in Stok wasn’t without its obstacles. From assessing the terrain to securing the infrastructure, our team faced a series of technical and logistical challenges. But the reward—bringing a vital resource to a school that needed it desperately—made it all worthwhile.
This project highlights the importance of bringing digital access to even the most remote regions. With reliable internet now a reality, the Government Primary School in Stok is no longer limited by its location. Students and teachers alike can look forward to new opportunities for learning and development, and the groundwork has been laid for further digital progress in the village. The success of this connection is a reminder that with the right solutions, even the most challenging environments can be bridged to the digital world, bringing lasting benefits to education and the community.
