Indramani Badoni: Uttarakhand, often referred to as Devbhoomi, has given birth to several great personalities who dedicated their lives to society and the nation. One such prominent figure was Indramani Badoni, the architect of the Uttarakhand state movement. His unwavering commitment and sacrifices played a crucial role in the formation of a separate Uttarakhand state, earning him the title 'Gandhi of Uttarakhand'.
Early Life of Indramani Badoni
Indramani Badoni was born on December 24, 1925, in Akhodi village, Jakholi block, Tehri district. He belonged to a middle-class family, and his early life was filled with hardships. However, his love for nature was evident from childhood. The mesmerizing beauty of rivers, waterfalls, and mountains captivated him, and he developed a deep interest in music and dance, later becoming a prominent cultural expert of Uttarakhand.
His primary education took place in Akhodi village, followed by high school and intermediate studies at Pratap Inter College, Tehri. For higher education, he moved to DAV College, Dehradun, where he completed his graduation.
Even as a student, Badoni displayed a rebellious and nationalist spirit. One such incident occurred when he refused to pay the tax imposed by the Tehri princely state for entry, resulting in his brief arrest. This incident marked the beginning of his lifelong struggle against injustice.
Panthya Dada: The First Martyr Against Oppression in Uttarakhand
Contribution to Society
Badoni was deeply passionate about education and rural development. He established several schools in Uttarakhand, including Intermediate Colleges in Kathud, Megadhar, and Dhutu, along with Higher Secondary School in Bugalidhar. His dedication to preserving Garhwali culture and traditions was commendable. He strongly advocated for people to stay connected with their roots and embrace their traditional way of life.
Promotion of Folk Art and Culture
One of Badoni's most significant contributions was his effort to preserve and promote Uttarakhand’s folk culture. He founded a theater group and introduced people to the artistic beauty of Garhwali folk dances and music. His famous theatrical production on the legend of Madhosingh Bhandari was widely appreciated in Delhi and Mumbai.
In 1956, he showcased Uttarakhand’s Kedar dance on Republic Day at Rajpath, Delhi, which was highly praised by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and President Dr. Rajendra Prasad. He was also a skilled musician, mastering traditional instruments like Hudka and Dhol.
Also read - History of Panwar Dynasty
Vision for Economic Development
Understanding the economic potential of Uttarakhand, Badoni envisioned tourism as a key driver for growth. He played a vital role in bringing global attention to Uttarakhand’s scenic gems like Sahastra Tal, Panwali Kantha, and Khatling Glacier. The Khatling Mahayatra, held annually in September, was one of his initiatives to promote eco-tourism.
Political Journey
Badoni stepped into politics in 1961, becoming the village head of Akhodi and later the block head of Jakholi. He was elected MLA from Devprayag in 1967 and served for three terms. In 1989, he contested the Lok Sabha elections and lost by a mere 10,000 votes, despite his opponent spending massive amounts of money in the campaign.
Leadership in the Uttarakhand State Movement
Indramani Badoni is best remembered as the pioneer of the Uttarakhand statehood movement. His speeches were impactful, and he led from the front. In 1979, he became a lifelong member of Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD). In 1988, he undertook a 105-day-long march from Tawaghat to Dehradun, covering over 2000 villages, raising awareness about the demand for a separate state.
In 1992, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti in Bageshwar, he declared Gairsain as the capital of Uttarakhand, a vision that still resonates in the state’s political discourse.
In 1994, the Uttar Pradesh government introduced a 27% reservation policy, sparking widespread protests in Uttarakhand. On August 2, 1994, Badoni sat on a hunger strike in Pauri, which lasted for 30 days, inspiring thousands to join the movement. His resilience turned him into a symbol of hope and unity for Uttarakhand.
Death and Legacy
Indramani Badoni passed away on August 18, 1999, at Vithal Ashram, Rishikesh. His life was a testament to sacrifice, dedication, and unwavering commitment to justice. He remains one of the most revered figures in Uttarakhand’s history, and his contribution to the formation of the state is etched in golden letters.
Indramani Badoni’s legacy lives on in the hearts of Uttarakhand’s people. His vision for education, culture, economic development, and political autonomy continues to inspire generations. Known as the ‘Gandhi of Uttarakhand’, his journey serves as a guiding light for social activists and leaders fighting for justice and regional development.
If you liked this post related to films, then please share it on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram or | Youtube