Key Facts About the Life and Activities of Sunderlal Bahuguna

Sunderlal Bahuguna was born on January 9, 1927, in Maroda, a small village in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India.

Bahuguna was influenced by the principles of Mahatma Gandhi from a young age. He pursued higher education in Lahore but left his studies to join the Indian freedom struggle.

In the 1970s, Bahuguna became a prominent leader of the Chipko Movement, which aimed to prevent deforestation in the Himalayan region. The movement is famous for its method of hugging trees to protect them from being cut down, hence the name "Chipko" (which means "to hug" or "to cling" in Hindi).

Bahuguna was a staunch advocate for the protection of the environment. He emphasized the importance of sustainable development and the preservation of natural resources.

Bahuguna strongly opposed the construction of the Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand, citing its environmental impact and the displacement of local communities. He undertook several fasts and protests to draw attention to the issue.

His activism was deeply influenced by Gandhian principles of non-violence and civil disobedience. He believed in peaceful protests and self-sufficiency.

Bahuguna received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including the Padma Shri in 1981 and the Jamnalal Bajaj Award for constructive work in 1986. However, he refused the Padma Shri as a form of protest against the government's environmental policies.

His efforts in environmental conservation were recognized globally, earning him respect and admiration from environmentalists and activists worldwide.

Sunderlal Bahuguna's work left a lasting impact on the environmental movement in India. He inspired many to join the cause of environmental conservation and to adopt sustainable practices.

Sunderlal Bahuguna passed away on May 21, 2021, due to complications from COVID-19. His death was widely mourned, and he is remembered as a pioneer of the environmental movement in India.