Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday sought that the country's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, be given to noted environmentalist Sunderlal Bahuguna who is known for his pioneering role in the chipko movement in Uttarkhand. Bahuguna died on May 21 this year.Kejriwal also presented a cheque of Rs 1 lakh to the family of Bahuguna in honour of the vast legacy he has left behind and said Bahuguna’s fight will not just be remembered by Uttarakhand and India but the entire world.
The Chief Minister said he will write a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this regard. He made the remarks at an event at the Delhi Legislative Assembly to pay condolence to Bahuguna.
“His fight and struggle along with his dedication to giving back to society will not just be remembered but it will continue to motivate and inspire generations and generations of citizens of not just Uttarakhand or India but the entire country,” he added.“I want to appeal to the Central Government to houour Bahuguna with the Bharat Ratna.
This will inspire the youth of our country to realise the struggle he undertook in his life,” he said.Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said, “It is an honour for us to have installed the portrait of Bahuguna in the Smriti Gallery.”
Ram Niwas Goel, the Speaker of Delhi Legislative Assembly, said, “Whatever one says about Bahuguna, it would not be able to suffice the vast legacy he has left behind. Bahuguna had a farsighted vision to take up the cause of environmentalism through the Chipko movement that later made waves globally.