Welcome to the ninth day of the #BlogchatterAtoZ challenge.
Ija – This is how mothers are addressed in Uttarakhand.
We are all aware of the love, care and concern of our mothers. They are the ones who play a very important role in our lives. It is the indomitable spirit of the women that forms the backbone of the family.
(https://pashmeenachowdhary.home.blog/2020/04/03/c-chaitra-heralds-a-heartwarming-tradition/ ) As mentioned in the above post on letter C the economy of villages in Uttarakhand is called Postcard/money order economy.
This is due to large scale migration of the people to the cities for work or most of the men are employed in the army. The entire household responsibility is shouldered by the women. In case they are in the village and not employed they provide no help at all in the farming tasks. Women leave early in the morning to get fodder for the animals and also take care of the house.
In case you ever get a chance to visit the villages in Uttarakhand you will come across beautiful abandoned houses. Ghost villages you can call them.
It is sad but true.
Today I want to share the achievements of two women, simple yet formidable..
You can call them Ija.
1) GAURA DEVI (1925-91) : MOTHER OF TREES
She was born in a village in Chamoli district.A contractor was in the process of cutting the trees in that area. She assembled the women in the village and set out to protect the forest of Oak trees. Oak forms a very important part of the village ecosystem. The women hugged the trees to prevent them from being felled by the contractor. The hugging of trees gave the name to the movement –Chipko Movement.
She was not an educated lady, nor did she have political of financial backing. But she was a mother who knew that the destruction of the forest would lead to environmental damage,lack of fodder for the animals which were also an important means of survival. It would be an unwanted intrusion in their life, a parasitic relationship.
The forest was her mother land.
She knew she needed to do something for her family.
This movement was later spearheaded by other environmentalists in Uttarakhand.
2) ICCHAGIRI MAI (1912-1992) : FIGHTER AGAINST LIQUOR
Drinking is a very serious problem in the hills. She fought against the consumption of a locally brewed liquor called ‘Tinchri’. This is why she was celled ‘Tinchri Mai’.
She once burned a liquor shop in Pauri in Garhwal and went to the residence of the Deputy Commissioner to surrender.
She helped the women to provide education and health facilities. She earned a great reputation for herself. A book has been written about her life.
Author’s Note:- Information and photographs have been widely sourced from various websites as well as my personal contacts. Please feel free to inform me of any misinformation or any violation.My email id pashmeenachowdhary@gmail.com
References for information:-
1. https://www.euttarakhand.com
3. Google search results
# This is the ninth post for #BlogchatterA2Z challenge. My theme is Uttarakhand-The Abode of Gods .
# You may access my theme reveal here::::: https://pashmeenachowdhary.home.blog/2020/03/16/blogchatter-a-to-z-challenge-2020-theme-reveal/
# Do share your links for quick access…Would love to read…. See you around!!!!!
Soulful musings.... 
This is such an amazing post. I loved reading about these great women coming from common walks of life who brought a change in real!
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Thank you so much..So sorry am unable to read or write nowadays due to other preoccupations..
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Thank you for sharing the stories of these heroes! Their passion rippled so much good into their communities.
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Thank you so much..So sorry am unable to read or write nowadays due to other preoccupations..
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It is these women who are the real heroes. But people don’t know about them.
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Thank you so much..So sorry am unable to read or write nowadays due to other preoccupations..
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Pashmeena, I have read something before in Chipko movement, but today your post felt me great. Absolutely loved your post.
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Thank you so much..So sorry am unable to read or write nowadays due to other preoccupations..
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P. S. I really appreciate your choice of the series. We came to know a lot of things about your place. And today’s one was great! We should always remember our roots. Lovely dear.
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That you so much for all your love…So sorry am unable to read or write nowadays due to other preoccupations.. Might complete the series in the future..
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Sure dear. Hugs 🤗
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It’s great to know about these brave ladies. I love the work you put behind each post. With research and references.
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Thank you so much..So sorry am unable to read or write nowadays due to other preoccupations..
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Totally amazing. I have already known about Gaura Devi but unaware about Tinchri Mai. What a brave woman. These women are pure inspiration for us. Thank you for sharing about them.
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Thank you so much..So sorry am unable to read or write nowadays due to other preoccupations..
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Great post. I’ve never heard of this area. Very interesting. And those two women sound amazing.
I hope you and yours are staying safe and healthy during this difficult time.
J Lenni Dorner~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author
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Thank you so much.. Our state doing much better than other states in our country . Hope all is fine in an around your life too..Sorry could not complete the challenge as online teaching and planning taking too much time.. Take care..
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Such a lovely post!! Got to know about so many new things through your well-researched posts. Gaura Devi and Tinchri Mai are two more additions. I had lost track of your posts, but here I am, again to catch up with those I missed.
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Thank you so much Navita.. I could not read or write..Will stay in touch though.. .
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