Tinchari Mai / Thaguli Devi: You might have heard the famous saying, "Suraj ast, Pahadi mast" (As the sun sets, the mountain folks rejoice). But this joy often comes with a bitter truth—alcohol consumption in the hills. While no one likes this addiction, many still fall prey to it. Over the years, Uttarakhand has witnessed several movements against alcohol, and one such campaign gave birth to the legend of Tinchari Mai.
Who was Deepa Nautiyal? How did she become Tinchari Mai? What was her connection to the anti-alcohol movement? Let’s dive into her incredible story.
Who Was Tinchari Mai / Thaguli Devi?
Born in 1917 in Manjyur village, Thalisain Tehsil, Pauri Garhwal, Deepa Nautiyal had a life full of hardships. She lost her mother at the age of two and her father at five. At seven, she was married, and by nineteen, she was widowed. Despite these challenges, she stood strong like the mountains themselves.
Her in-laws abandoned her after her husband's death, leaving her with no home or support. She wandered like a nomad and eventually took shelter in a temple. There, she met a female ascetic (Sannyasin) who changed the course of her life. Under her guidance, Deepa took Sannyas (renunciation) and was given the name Ichhagiri Mai. She dedicated her life to social service and even helped establish a school in her village, which later became an intermediate-level institution.
When Tinchari Mai Met Prime Minister Nehru
As a wandering ascetic, Tinchari Mai reached Sigdi village near Kotdwar, where she built a small hut for herself. The village faced a severe water crisis, forcing women to walk miles for water. Seeing this struggle, she approached the administration for help, but no one paid attention.
Determined, she traveled to Delhi and sat outside Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s residence. When Nehru’s convoy was leaving, she fearlessly sat in front of it. Security personnel tried to remove her, but Nehru himself intervened, took her hand, and asked about her concerns. Even though she was suffering from a high fever, she refused medical aid and insisted on addressing her village’s water crisis first. Impressed by her resolve, Nehru assured her of action, and soon, the village received a proper water supply.
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Tinchari Mai’s Battle Against Alcohol
As years passed, Tinchari Mai saw another major problem gripping her people—alcohol addiction. Men were drowning in alcohol, mistreating women, and disrupting families. She decided to act against it.
At that time, due to prohibition laws, people in the hills started consuming a locally-made intoxicant called Tinchari, an Ayurvedic medicine that turned into alcohol when mixed in high quantities. When her complaints to authorities fell on deaf ears, she took matters into her own hands.
One day, she stormed into an illegal liquor shop carrying kerosene oil. Without hesitation, she set the entire shop on fire. This act of defiance shocked the region, and from that moment, she became known as Tinchari Mai.
She continued her fight against alcohol for years, facing threats and opposition. But she never backed down, making her a symbol of courage and social justice in Uttarakhand.
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The Legacy of Tinchari Mai
Tinchari Mai’s life is a testament to unwavering determination and fearless activism. Despite losing everything at a young age, she became a beacon of hope for many. She proved that one person’s dedication can change society.
Her story teaches us that no matter how difficult the circumstances, if you have courage and an unyielding spirit, you can fight against injustice and create a lasting impact.
The hills of Uttarakhand have witnessed many warriors, but few like Tinchari Mai. Her fight against alcoholism, her bold confrontation with Nehru, and her unshakable resolve make her a legend. Today, she remains an inspiration for those who believe in standing against social evils.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tinchari Mai (Deepa Nautiyal)
1. Who was Tinchari Mai (Deepa Nautiyal)?
Tinchari Mai, also known as Deepa Nautiyal or Thaguli Devi, was a social reformer from Uttarakhand. She dedicated her life to fighting against alcoholism in the region and became famous for her bold actions, including setting fire to illegal liquor shops.
2. Why is she called 'Tinchari Mai'?
She earned the name "Tinchari Mai" after she set fire to a liquor shop that was selling "Tinchari," a locally made intoxicant. Her fearless stand against alcohol abuse made her a well-known figure in Uttarakhand.
3. What was Deepa Nautiyal’s early life like?
Deepa Nautiyal was born in 1917 in Manjyur village, Thalisain, Pauri Garhwal. She lost her mother at the age of 2 and her father at 5. She was married at 7 and became a widow at 19. Despite facing immense hardships, she remained strong and later devoted her life to social service.
4. What role did Tinchari Mai play in the anti-alcohol movement?
Tinchari Mai actively protested against the sale and consumption of alcohol in Uttarakhand. She approached government officials to ban alcohol, but when they ignored her, she took matters into her own hands by destroying liquor shops.
5. How did Tinchari Mai influence her community?
Apart from fighting alcoholism, Tinchari Mai also worked for women’s rights, social justice, and education. She established a school in her village, which later became an intermediate school, and she constantly advocated for social reforms.
6. Did Tinchari Mai meet Jawaharlal Nehru?
Yes, when her village faced a severe water crisis, she personally met Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. She protested outside his residence, and after he heard her plea, he ensured a water supply was arranged for her village.
7. What legacy did Tinchari Mai leave behind?
Tinchari Mai remains an inspiring figure in Uttarakhand’s history. Her fearless activism against alcohol and dedication to social welfare made her a legend. Her story continues to inspire people to stand up against injustice.
8. When did Tinchari Mai pass away?
The exact date of her passing is not widely documented, but her contributions to Uttarakhand’s society have made her immortal in history.
Do you think more people like Tinchari Mai are needed to bring change in today’s world? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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