While the trend of migration is becoming a common phenomenon in the state of Uttarakhand, there is a man who left everything to come back to his home and do something for his hill state. The man is none other than Sudhir Sundriyal.
Sudhir was born in Dabra village near Chaubattakhal. He worked as a journalist in Delhi and was living with his wife. Having no kids, they decided to donate their organs to AIIMS, Rishikesh, and made their way towards their native place in 2014, quitting his job.
When he got back to his village, he was left aghast as the luscious green fields where he used to play as a child were nowhere to be found. Barren fields and deteriorating hills were all he could see. It was a heart-wrenching sight for him. At that moment, he decided to do something for his motherland. Someone has rightly said, “Everything is generated through our own willpower. “ Sudhir had that willpower to achieve his dream of a greener and better tomorrow.
With his dreams, he went to Pant Nagar University to study the techniques that are apt for agriculture in hilly areas. He studied various plants and their adaptability to different geographical conditions.
In his quest, he met Subhash Dabral, who also shared his dream. Sudhir, with the help of his colleagues, worked tirelessly to achieve his vision.
Within a timeframe of 2 years, he has planted over 800 fruit-bearing trees across villages. Not only this, over 800 cardamom trees are ready to be harvested.
He has cultivated Aloe vera and many other medicinal plants as well. Apart from these, he is also cultivating peas, lentils, ginger, etc. More than 20 farmers have returned back to their villages from metro cities to help in production.
In 2015, he formed ‘Bhalu Lagdu, which translates to Feel Good, which is a charitable trust. It was formed to make people return back to their homes in the hills. Starting as a small step, he began building a rainwater reservoir. It was a measure so that farmers do not face water-related problems in parched months. This practice inspired other villages to adopt this method as well.
Later on, he started the Feel Good Information Centre, which was equipped with books, computers, a projector, etc. became an instant favourite spot amongst people of all age groups.
The trust also educates children from in and around the village Dabraa to stimulate their minds. Bhalu Lagdu has worked in the field of agriculture, education, and the environment. Their farming methods have inspired many people to return back to their villages and practice them.
Sudhir and his wife are transforming the picture of the agricultural industry in the hills. They have become the helping hands of the people of the hills.