The Parvatiya Navjeevan Ashram, located in Uttarakhand's Bhilangana Valley, served as a central hub for the Chipko Andolan, a movement spearheaded by Sunderlal and Vimla Bahuguna. This site functioned differently from typical Gandhian institutions, focusing on grassroots organization through the distribution of printed materials and strategic planning. The ashram maintained a modest infrastructure, including basic housing, a small office, and a primary school. Residents were expected to engage in communal responsibilities, such as maintaining the premises and participating in agricultural work to sustain the community. This environment fostered a culture of collective labor and environmental advocacy, which continues to influence modern conservation efforts across India. The ashram's operational model highlights the integration of daily manual labor with social activism, providing a blueprint for sustainable living and forest protection initiatives that have since inspired activists in other regions of the country.
Source : Scroll.in
Photo : Scroll.in
