Vimla Bahuguna laments exclusion of school chapter on ‘Chipko’ movement
Vimla Bahuguna laments exclusion of school chapter on ‘Chipko’ movement
S.M.A.KAZMI
Dehradun , Jan 9
Vimla Bahuguna, a veteran Gandhian and wife of eminent environmentalist Sunder Lal Bahuguna lamented that the chapter on ‘Chipko movement’ and the contribution of her husband from school books of National Council of Education, Research and Training (NCERT) has been removed. A veteran ‘Sarvodaya’ worker was speaking on the occasion of 97th birth anniversary of her husband Sunder Lal Bahuguna, a ‘Padma Bhushan’ recipient, at a small function held here today. Two books written by Sunder Lal Bahuguna titled “ Kashmir se Kohima Tak” and “ Uttarakhand mai 120 din” compiled by his daughter Madhu Pathak were also released on the occasion.
Vimla Bahuguna (92), a recipient of the Jamna Lal Bajaj Award for Development and Welfare of Women and Children in the year 1995 said that in the present situation where there has been greater assault on environment and forest, there is greater need to work for environmental conservation as espoused by Sunder Lal Bahuguna throughout his life.
She recalled her own struggle for the welfare of women and poor living in the hills. Studying under another Gandhian Sarla Behn at Kausani in Kumoan region, she also worked as a ‘Bhoodan’ worker of Vinoba Bhave for a year in Bihar. A constant companion and inspiration for Sunder Lal Bahuguna in his unrelenting struggles for environmental protection and dalit upliftment, Vimla Bahuguna also led women of garhwal hills successfully in the fight against liquor.
Chander Singh, a former IAS officer recalled his association with Sunder Lal Bahuguna and his efforts for the education and upliftment of Dalits in the hills. He confessed that he owes his success to him who took him under his care and guidance for his studies from a remote Uttarkashi village.
Dr Rajendra Dobhal, Vice-Chancellor, Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) said that Sunder Lal Bahuguna is synonymous with environment protection throughout the world. Lalit Mohan Ryal, IAS officer recalled the contributions of Sunder Lal Bahuguna and his unflinching commitment to the causes he fought for.
Madhu Pathak and Dr. B.C.Pathak, daughter and son-in-law, Rajeev Nayan Bahuguna and Pardeep Bahuguna, both his sons were present.
