Chipko: From nature to empowerment

Feminism in India is usually dominated by urban, upper or middle-class voices and considers them as the basis of it in India. This quotient overlooks the impact of grassroots-level feminist movements or movements in general even if they were not explicitly framed as Feminist. The impact of these movements on feminism and how they embody true women's empowerment has been overlooked. Many movements have been a part of Indian society since 1947 bringing change at a national level to bringing change at grassroots level. Movements fostering ecological or legislative changes have also led to the rise of grassroots feminist consciousness in India as women have been a vital part of these movements, at the forefront and the ones who have initiated them. Movements such as the Anti Arrack of Telangana and Chipko movement of Uttarakhand aren't explicitly feminist movements but they represent the mobilisation of women to fight for tangible issues and gave them a political voice, a voice which wasn't provided to them earlier. This movement represents how women go on and challenge established authorities and structures to attain necessities. They represent the power of women when mobilised can make a far-reaching impact and aren't just a subject to the private domain. This article focuses on how grassroots movements impact feminist consciousness in India.