By Our Staff Reporter
Haridwar, 10 May: The mortal remains of Sushila Baluni, known as one of the first women agitationists who led a long movement for a separate Uttarakhand, were consigned to the flames at the Kharkhari crematorium, here, today. A large number of people had gathered to pay their last respect to her at the crematorium. Her pyre was lit by her sons. The last rites were performed with state honours and she was given a guard of honour before the pyre was lit.
Those present included Haridwar MLA Madan Kaushik, leading statehood agitationist and BJP leader Ravindra Jugran, Haridwar ADM PL Sah, and SDM Puran Singh Rana.
Haridwar MLA and former BJP State President Madan Kaushik said that the contribution of Sushila Baluni towards creation of a separate Uttarakhand state had been invaluable. She was among the first women to lead the agitation for a separate state. Even after the creation of Uttarakhand, she remained active in social work and for the welfare of women and children. She joined the BJP and continued to work hard for the welfare of women and other issues relevant to the state. Her contribution could never be forgotten.
Ravindra Jugran too paid rich tribute to Baluni and termed her contribution to the state before the formation of the state and after as immense. Baluni’s son Sanjay observed that the Uttarakhand of the dreams of his mother is yet to be realised, but added that efforts are being made towards that goal.
It may be recalled that Sushila Baluni had passed away yesterday evening at Max Hospital in Dehradun after a prolonged illness. She had liver cirrhosis and had been undergoing treatment for the same for the past few years.
