
By Lakshya Govani
Hello everyone!
Today, I’m excited to tell you about a very special school—one that’s far away from the noise of the city and the rush of modern life. Before I dive in, let’s think about the typical schools we all know. They usually teach us about technology, human behavior, and other academic subjects, right? But this school is quite different—and in a wonderful way!
I’m talking about the SECMOL campus in Ladakh, located miles away from the main city of Leh. It’s so remote that there’s barely any network coverage. But that’s what makes it unique! Here, students learn to live and work without relying on the internet or modern gadgets. Instead, they focus on learning through real-life experiences.
At SECMOL, every student follows a fixed routine and takes part in daily activities. It’s not just about studying and going home—it’s about living, learning, and growing together. Students are assigned different responsibilities like cooking, farming, laundry, managing storage, and even welcoming visitors. They learn by doing, and that makes all the difference.
And here’s a fun fact! The team behind the movie “3 Idiots” actually visited this school to request permission to shoot there—but the school politely said no. Why? To keep the environment natural and undisturbed. Pretty cool, right?
There’s also a stable with cows and horses, which the students take care of themselves. What really stood out to me was how dedicated and joyful the students were while doing their tasks. They truly enjoy what they do—and it shows!

The school was founded by Sonam Wangchuk, a visionary and the real-life inspiration behind the character “Rancho” in “3 Idiots”. His mission is to make learning fun, practical, and meaningful. You can even see his first car on display at the campus, along with traditional Ladakhi clothes and farming tools!
SECMOL is more than a school—it’s a way of life. It teaches students how to be self-reliant, confident, and curious, making education a part of everyday living. It’s truly a place where learning comes alive!

