# How songs and culture have powered resistance in India 2026-08-15T08:46:14+00:00 | Politics | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The Chipko movement took shape in 1974 when Gaura Devi led women in Reni village, Chamoli, to embrace trees and stop labourers from felling them. In 1977, poet Girish Tiwari, known as Girda, used a Kumaoni song and hudka to mobilise opposition to a forest auction in Nainital, forcing its cancellation. Naveen Joshi writes that folk songs, poetry, instruments, street theatre and slogans have long strengthened non-violent movements, from the freedom struggle to Adivasi protests. The article links this tradition to a recent Jantar Mantar protest, where young demonstrators sang with daphlis and used creative posters. It also refers to opposition by Adivasi villagers in Madhya Pradesh to the Ken-Betwa Link Project, which they say threatens forests, livelihoods and compensation rights. ## Coverage - nationalheraldindia.com Tags: Gaura Devi, Girish Tiwari, Jantar Mantar Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/how-songs-and-culture-have-powered-resistance-in-india/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/how-songs-and-culture-have-powered-resistance-in-india/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.