1. Introduction
- Indramani Badoni, widely known as the “Gandhi of Uttarakhand,” was born on December 24, 1925, in the small hamlet of Akhodi within the erstwhile princely state of Tehri Garhwal.
- He was born to Kaldi Devi and Sureshanand. He completed his education in Nainital and Dehradun, eventually graduating from DAV PG College, Dehradun, in 1949.
- At the age of 19, he married Surji Devi and briefly went to Mumbai in search of a livelihood before returning to his homeland. His public life truly began in 1953 when Gandhian activist Mirabehn visited his village.
2. Political Career (Successes & Setbacks)
- In 1961, Badoni became a Gram Pradhan and later served as the Pramukh of the Jakholi Development Block.
- He was elected to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly for the first time in 1967 as an Independent candidate from Devprayag. In 1969, he was elected as an All India Congress candidate, and in 1977, he won again as an Independent during the massive Janata Party wave—securing such a landslide victory that both Congress and Janata candidates lost their deposits.
- Despite facing electoral setbacks—such as losing to Govind Prasad Gairola in 1974 and to Brahm Datt in the 1989 parliamentary elections—Badoni remained profoundly dedicated to the aspirations of the hill region.
3. Role in the Statehood Movement & Legacy
- Badoni was actively involved in the separate statehood movement starting in 1979, serving as the Vice President of the Parvateey Vikas Parishad.
- Because of his unwavering faith in non-violent activism, combined with his charismatic yet humble personality, The Washington Post honored him with the title “Mountain Gandhi”.
- He passed away on August 18, 1999, at the Vithal Ashram in Rishikesh, leaving behind an enduring legacy as one of the most respected and foundational figures in the history of Uttarakhand.
