Remembering Sunderlal Bahuguna

As the world braces to reduce carbon net emissions, the issue of deforestation comes to mind. And one man who was synonymous with deforestation in India was the late Sunderlal Bahuguna.
   Bahuguna, who was known as the Architect of the Chipko Movement, passed away last week. He taught communities to hug trees, in order to protect them. He gave the slogan of 'Ecology is Permanent Economy'. The Chipko Movement brought the world's attention to the burning issue of deforestation. An important aspect of the Movement was the inclusion of women. Women in the Himalayas embraced trees and ties Rakhis to them.
   When the Tehri Dam project was proposed, Bahuguna was staunchly against it. He sat on fasts, often stretching upto many weeks. In fact, he even shaved his head, before going to protest at the site of the Tehri Dam.
   A man of true Gandhian Principles, Bahuguna lived in a small ashram and believed in Non- Violence. He was a vanguard of sustainable livelihood. He also spoke about the need to use wind energy and solar power. He lived his life in true simplicity and did not believe in ostentatious living.
   Sunderlal Bahuguna will forever be remembered as the man who protected India's forests and he shall be a model for future generations to emulate. Bahuguna's demise is a huge blow to the environmental community, not just in India, but across the globe.