By: Poornima Dubey, Sub Editor-ICN
The Chipko movement was a non-violent agitation in 1973 that was aimed at protection and conservation of trees, but, perhaps, it is best remembered for the collective mobilisation of women for the cause of preserving forests.
45 years ago the Indian history had seen one more enormous revolution by people that had connected the most old friends to their besties once again to their natural oxygen cylinders for which we the humans met them in a very practical aspect for saving their lives means by hugging the very friendly trees which was later named by common people as Chipko movement.
Actually the movement was a simple forest conservation movement but its real date goes back to 1730 A.D. when in Khejarli village of Rajasthan 363 bishnois sacrificed their lives to save trees so following that program when Uttrakhand tribes found themselves devoid of their natural heritage slowly slowly due to deforestation then they had revived the program by coming together in the same way as the things were at that time in Rajasthan.
The Chipko Movement gained traction under Sunderlal Bahuguna, an eco activist, who spent his life persuading and educating the villagers to protest against the destruction of the forests and Himalayan mountains.
The major part of this program was the hugging people were especially ladies those who understand the tree shortage more effectively due to which a became a rallying point for many future environmental movements also.
But if you see the more major part of this protest then you will get to know it is one of the biggest non violent movements our country ever saw post independence until today due to which it created a precedent for another movements going on in the world as a successful nonviolent movement.
Although the program was in India but its effects were widespread showing its results on deforestation, expose vested interests, increase ecological awareness and demonstrate the viability of people power more and more which had shown the world the power of will power and togetherness and a great lesson that people can do whatever they want and even force the government to take notice.
So let’s be together once again become the same practical population and show the whole world that great things are possible when people in large numbers believe and save our trees our besties.
A great salute to all the volunteers and their coworkers.
Let’s hug the trees.
