Sunderlal Bahuguna was a renowned environmentalist and social activist from Uttarakhand, best known for his pioneering role in the Chipko Movement during the 1970s, where villagers, especially women, hugged trees to prevent large-scale deforestation. Born in 1927 in Tehri district, he dedicated his life to protecting the Himalayas, forests, and rivers, emphasizing the link between ecology and human survival. Bahuguna also led the Anti-Tehri Dam Movement, warning about the ecological and social impacts of big dams in fragile Himalayan regions. He advocated for sustainable development, conservation of natural resources, and Gandhian principles of non-violence and simplicity. Honored with awards like the Padma Vibhushan (2009), his legacy continues to inspire global environmental movements rooted in community participation and ecological balance.