The Last Word in Forestry: A Portrait of VK Bahuguna!!!
Biswanath Bhattacharya
February 12, 2025
Meeting VK Bahuguna this morning was akin to embarking on a sacred pilgrimage and encountering a saint-like figure, a moment that etched itself indelibly into the canvas of my memory. Vinod Kumar Bahuguna, revered as the last word in forestry in India, exudes an aura that transcends the ordinary, elevating him to an epitome of wisdom and dedication. His towering frame, nearly six feet four inches tall, mirrors the majestic trees he has so lovingly nurtured throughout his illustrious career. Hailing from the verdant state of Uttarakhand, where nature, birds, and trees converse in a language known only to the soulful, VK Bahuguna embodies the very essence of this harmonious coexistence.
An IFS officer par excellence, Bahuguna's journey through the annals of India's forestry management is nothing short of legendary. He has held esteemed positions such as Chairman at the Centre for Resource Management and Environment, Former Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), and Chancellor of the Forest Research Institute (FRI) University. His tenure as the Principal Secretary (Apex Scale) in the Government of Tripura further cements his legacy as a stalwart in the Indian Forest Service. His academic laurels are as impressive as his professional accolades, having studied MBA at The University of Edinburgh and topped the MSc Zoology examination in 1975 at HNB Garhwal University in Srinagar (Garhwal).
To merely describe VK Bahuguna's contributions as significant would be an understatement. He is a prodigy, a giant amongst dwarfs, whose profound impact on forestry and environmental management echoes through the forests and fields of Tripura. Despite the audacity and snobbism of the erstwhile Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, which led to Bahuguna's resignation, his love for Tripura remains unwavering. In a defiant display of pride, he threw his resignation letter over the "dirty nose" of Manik Sarkar, yet his heart continues to beat in rhythm with the whispers of Tripura's trees.
Bahuguna's connection with Tripura is not merely professional but deeply personal. Every two years, he returns to this land that he so cherishes, accompanied by his spouse, Usha Madam. His visits are not mere formalities but pilgrimages where every tree shares its tales and emotions with him. His presence breathes life into the forests, and each leaf seems to rustle in reverence of this forestry sage. His energy is boundless, a living dynamo who, despite being above seventy, undertakes whirlwind tours across Tripura, engaging with the people, particularly the underprivileged, with a compassion and empathy that is the hallmark of his character.
Delving deep into VK Bahuguna's persona reveals layers of magnificence and uniqueness. There is no façade, no pretense—only a man whose heart beats in synchrony with the natural world. His stature, both physical and metaphorical, casts a long shadow over the domain of forestry in India. He is a beacon of knowledge, a reservoir of experience, and an unwavering advocate for the environment. His wisdom is sought by many, yet it is his humility and accessibility that endear him to all who have the privilege of knowing him.
VK Bahuguna's life is a testament to the power of vision and dedication. He has traversed the length and breadth of Tripura, not as a distant administrator but as a compassionate friend to the land and its people. His conversations with the underprivileged are not mere gestures but genuine engagements, where he listens, understands, and acts. This is the beauty of VK Bahuguna—his ability to connect with every stratum of society, to be a voice for the voiceless, and to champion the cause of the environment with an unwavering spirit.
In the annals of India's environmental history, VK Bahuguna stands tall as a guardian of the forests, a custodian of nature's bounty. His legacy is not just in the policies he has shaped or the positions he has held, but in the countless lives he has touched and the landscapes he has transformed. His story is one of inspiration, a poignant reminder of what one individual, driven by passion and commitment, can achieve.
As I reflect on the encounter with VK Bahuguna, I am reminded of the words of John Muir, the famed naturalist: "The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness." VK Bahuguna embodies this truth, guiding us through the wilderness of our times with a clarity and purpose that is both rare and precious. His life's work is a beacon, illuminating the path for future generations to follow, ensuring that the forests of India continue to thrive and flourish under the watchful eyes of those who, like VK Bahuguna, hold them dear.
In conclusion, VK Bahuguna is not just a name in the annals of Indian forestry; he is a legend, a sage, and a guardian of nature. His life's work, his dedication, and his unyielding spirit are a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on the world. Meeting him was not just an encounter but an experience, a moment of revelation that reaffirmed my faith in the power of vision, dedication, and compassion. He is, indeed, the last word in forestry in India, a giant whose legacy will continue to inspire and guide for generations to come.
(Tripurainfo)