CHIPKO: BREAKING AN ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT IN INDIA
The article examines the formation of the Chipko environmental movement, whose activity in 1980 led to the suspension of long-term deforestation in northern India. The historical connection of Chipko with the campaigns of forest satyagraha, which were widespread in northern India during the struggle for independence, is examined. It is shown what role such Gandhian leaders as Mira Behn and Sarala Behn played in transforming the goals of satyagraha. Attention is drawn to the role of such a women's organization as Sarvodaya Mandal, which has become Chipko's organizational basis. The important organizational and philosophical role of such an environmental movement leader as Sunderlal Bahuguna, who became Chipko's true soul, is shown. The role of Vandana Shiva, which is not only a researcher of the Chipko movement, but is also a leading environmental theorist and practitioner of modern India, is examined.