Rahul Sovanshi, The brain behind:“The Uttarkashi City”

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August 16, 2019

Facebook, HomePage, Uttarkashi — The Uttarakashi City Homepage on Facebook

Rahul Sovanshi, born and brought up in Uttarkashi, returned home after a two year stint as site engineer in Dehradun to serve his hometown in the best way, he thought possible.

Today, his two year old Instagram and Facebook Page ‘THE UTTARKASHI CITY’ has close to 20,000 followers.

B-Tech Civil Engineer graduate by degree, 25-year-old Rahul got homesick when he was away for studies followed by a well-paying job. His yearning for his hometown and the determination to do something more for his janm and karmabhoomi, gave birth to ‘The Uttarkashi City’ account on 17/17/2017, single-handily operated by Rahul.

So how does it work? I ask him. He tells me, “I post self-clicked pictures as well as those shared by tourists, locals and mostly trekkers from all over the district.”

Interesting videos, pictures, anecdotes, captioned images shared by people from all over the world who have visited Uttarkashi, have captured the essence of the district on the two accounts generated by Rahul.

For a while Rahul’s parents were apprehensive about their son’s choice of work and field, but soon they too became an inseparable part of his initiative.

Rahul adds, “The main purpose to start ‘The Uttarkashi City’ account on Instagram and Facebook was to share on a popular social platform the beauty of my hometown with the world. I was positive about this initiative from day one. We have more than twenty thousands followers on Instagram and Facebook collectively, which says a lot about my progress over the past two years.”

‘The Uttarkashi City’ is a Non-Profitable-Account, so where does the money come from? I probe him, “I don’t earn a single rupee from all this. It’s just about promoting Uttarkashi without getting any rewards,” he signs off with a smile.

The fact that Rahul doesn’t earn a penny from this initiative says a lot about his commitment to showcase his hometown to the world. For now, the young lad spends his time running the Instagram and Facebook Page along with preparing for the State Engineering Services.

We wish Rahul Sovanshi, all the best for his future endeavours.

Instagram Handle: The Uttarkashi City

Facebook Page: The Uttarakashi City

(Exclusive) Kheema Jethi: Strong women lift each other up

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Tania Saili

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August 15, 2019

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Pithoragarh, We live in a world where despite all the glam and glitter; women are still struggling to find a place for themselves. Leaving common people aside, our leaders are always in a tug-a-war of out doing each other in making insensitive statements towards women.

But amidst all these negativities, we find daughters of India in every nook and corner engaged in achieving a better, promising tomorrow.

We bring to you a story from Jethi, in Askote area of Pithoragarh close to the Indo-Nepal border where one woman has changed the lives of many girls, like herself.

Kheema counselling women folk of her area

Kheema Jethi, was born to a farmer’s family on 1 July 1973, she was the oldest with four siblings which meant that the siblings responsibilities fell squarely on her young shoulders. Kheema juggled housework and farming with a smile on her face with formal education put on hold.

Once done with school, Kheema Jethi became the lone-voice to fight for the rights of her women folk living in nine villages of the Raji tribe. A fight she continues even today, “Helping others brings happiness from within. If any of my efforts bring happiness in the life of any person, it gives me immense satisfaction,” she tells us.

Kheema has been associated with social organizations and is fighting for generic issues such as education, women empowerment, domestic violence and child marriage and hopes to do more in the near future. “I will continue to do more for my people. I want to be associated with like-minded people who will add value to my efforts and reach out to as many people as possible.”

During her efforts, Kheema looked for help and knocked on government doors, always to return empty handed, but not resentful. She gives credit where it is due, and mentions how for certain instances the Local/District Administration did back her, “We cannot reach the government. Every battle has to be fought alone. The local administration takes cognizance sometimes, but the journey has to be taken alone to bring the fight to a meaningful end,’ our fighter speaks.

After decades, this lone figure has seen her tribe flourish. 150 women are earning a steady income due to her hardwork. Kheema Jethi has won accolades and admiration for helping over six hundred women under the Domestic Violence Act and single-handedly taken on the primitive mindset of hill-folks and stopped eight cases of child marriage prevalent in her neck of the woods.

Determined and strong-willed, Kheema Jethi has been the light at the end of the tunnel for countless girls and their families, who endearingly call her ‘Kheema di,” for she strongly believes that strong women lift each other up.

Back-to-roots with artist Hemant Painuly

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Lucky Singh/Tania Saili

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August 13, 2019

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Rishikesh, A growing trend and something heartening is stories of reverse-migration by youth from the hill-state who give up lucrative jobs and taking the leap of faith, return home to follow their heart.

Hemant Painuly is one success story, who returned to Rishikesh to pursue an alternate career in painting. In a very short period, this self taught artist has made a name for himself in painting life size murals.

An engineer by qualification, Hemant worked for two years in the technical field outside Uttarakhand, looking back he says, “In the two years that I was away, there was not a single day that i did not long for my hometown. One day, I decided enough is enough and returned home.” Today he pursues painting along with running a coaching centre to train young minds.

Hemant’s mural on a 30 bare wall in Indo Tiger Restaurant, Rishikesh

Amongst his personal favourite is a 30-foot long mural the Indo-Tiger Japanese restaurant in Rishikesh which took him almost a week to create with acrylic colors (water based) and spray.

My thoughts turn to his parents and their reaction when their lad gave it all up and returned home. Hemant considers himself lucky, “After quitting, my parents were a bit anxious about my decision and the future ahead. But when they saw my creative work, dedication and passion for painting, I won their love and trust.“

His theme ‘Back to Roots,’ is an attempt to inspire other young men and women to return home and give back something to their homestate.

Armed with a pallete, brush and colours he brings alive Uttarakhand’s vanishing traditions, culture, flora and fauna leaving behind thought-provoking trails on canvass which in his case are dilapidated walls, yoga centres, and cafes both in Rishikesh and Dehradun.

Hemant signs off saying, “My paintings help me to express my love and longing to revive forgotten ways of our past along with inspiring the youth of the state to return to their roots.“

‘Team Khukuri Warriors’ @ Eco Challenge, Fiji

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newspost

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August 9, 2019

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Eco challenge2020 — Team Khukuri Warriors with Union Minister

Dehradun, When it comes to ‘go-getters’ there is no dearth of those in the Doon valley or to be precise in the hill-state of Uttarakhand. The spirit of ‘never-to-say-never,’ cuts across all age groups and gender too.

In the first of its kind an interesting motley of people from Dehradun (including one from USA) will make their presence felt on the television screen for a programme called ‘World’s Toughest Race, Eco Challenge Fiji, Coming 2020, on Prime Video.’

Fighting it out with other international teams in Fiji to win the race is India’s maiden team from Dehradun aptly called Team Khukuri Warriors. “Khukuri is the traditional knife of Gurkhas made world famous by the Gurkha soldiers. It symbolizes courage and valor. Our dad being in the Gurkha regiment, mom being a Gurkha herself it was only natural for us to name our Team Khukuri Warriors to inspire us to give our best under extremely adverse circumstances,” Tashi and Nungshi Malik team leaders of the group tell us.

The team carries with it the onus of being the first and only team from the Indian subcontinent to participate in Eco-Challenge beginning 7th of September this year.

Led by twins Tashi and Nungshi Malik, who at the age of 23 years have defied gender stereotypes by summiting world’s highest and farthest points – Mt Everest, the North Pole and the South Pole, mountain climbing expert Brandon Fisher USA, skiing and rafting expert Praveen Singh Rangar and their father Col VS Malik (TAC) a former Colonel in the Indian Army will be part of the Team Khukuri Warriors which promises to be take the lead from word GO!

Adjudged the ultimate expedition race, international teams are pitted against each other at the Eco-Challenge. Team members rough it out in a 24×7, race covering land and water over the next two weeks or so. The race encompasses transportation by mountain biking, paddling, rappelling, climbing, whitewater rafting etc via navigation done on maps and compass in their quest for the finish-line. The Eco Challenge race is known to be both physically and emotionally challenging as it pushes the limit of the team members and tests their co-ordination skills under adverse conditions.

Talking to Newspost Praveen Rangar adds, “my expertise in the field of kayaking and rafting got me a place in the team. We have been training from Goa to Mizoram, from Mumbai to Delhi and Uttarakhand for over a month now. The team is all set to give everyone a good fight.“

‘Danak-Danak’ adding beat to ‘Chirbatiya 1/2 Marathon’ Season II

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Tania Saili

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August 7, 2019

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Chirbatiya, Marathon — Chirbatiya Half Marathon Season II

Rudraprayag, In an attempt to promote 1 out of the 13 new destinations cherry-picked by the Uttarakhand State Government as offbeat destinations, the district administration in Rudraprayag is leaving no stones unturned to promote Chirbatiya, located at an altitude of 2250 meters.

Following the success of its first half marathon last year, this year too, Chirbatiya will host the 2nd season of ‘Chirbatiya Monsoon Hill 1/2 Marathon,’ on the 1st of September. With registration open until 16^th of August, there is a 21.1 km, 15 km and 5 km track which will take the runner through pristine trails which had attracted 650 registered participants last year as well.

This time around, adding ‘traditional beat’ to the marathon is a 3:30 minute peppy-theme song put together by The Pandavaas entitled ‘Danak-Danak’ which in Garhwali means ‘Run.’

The team Pandavaas includes Ishaan Dobhal who has put together the music, Salil Dobhal on Camera assisted by Navdeep Saini, while the video created by Kunal Dobhal has been shot in the heart of monsoon captivating breathtaking locations of the hill-district over a period of 15 days.

Telling us more about his shoot Kunal adds, “Rain God played spoilsport but we were adamant to capture the monsoon magic on camera. We were patient and sat for days on end waiting for that ‘perfect-shot’ which has brought the ‘wow’ factor into the video.”

RJ Kaavya of 93.5 Red FM fame has lent his baritone for the Hindi rap in ‘Danak, Danak’ along with Shiwani Bhagwat, the female voice bringing alive the Garhwali melody in the song.

Mahima Bisht, Runner up Miss Kumaon cast in the video, along with her male counterparts Anurag Bhatt and Mixed Martial Art champion from Rudraprayag Angad Bisht have added grace and muscle to this audio-visual delight in an attempt to attract record breaking participants to partake in the second season of Chirbatiya Monsoon Hill 1/2 Marathon in September.

Part of the Danak-Danak Team:

Audio Recording: Updesh Vatsyan

Lyrics: Lavraj (Hindi), Prem Mohan Dobhal (Garhwali)

Subtitles transcription: Lokesh Adhikari, Gaurav bhatt

Vfx – Ronit (Digital Dreams Studios)

And for those who havent enrolled themselves for the marathon, here is the link: https://forms.gle/gVBrnVTCrhvyusEF8

Change over of Colonel of Regiment of Garhwal Rifles

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newspost

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August 6, 2019

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Lansdowne, In a special function organised at Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre, Lansdowne, Lt Gen Cherish Mathson, PVSM, SM, VSM, GOC-in-C South Western Command and Colonel of the Garhwal Rifles & Garhwal Scouts handed over the appointment of Colonel of the Regiment to Lt Gen SK Upadhya, AVSM, SM, VSM, Master General of Ordnance at Army Headquarters.

Lt Gen Mathson is the senior most serving officer in the Garhwal Rifles and will be retiring on 31 Aug 2019. He tenanted the appointment of Colonel of the Garhwal Rifles & Garhwal Scouts for period of one year and three months from 05 May 2018.

Before handing over the Colonelcy, Lt Gen Mathson laid wreath at the War Memorial and paid homage to all gallant Martyrs of the Regiment who made the supreme sacrifice and lived upto the glorious traditions of the Regiment. He was thereafter given a splendid Guard of Honour by a well turned out guard at GRRC. In a special function organised for him, he addressed the Officers, JCOs and Other Ranks. During his address, he complimented all ranks for their outstanding professionalism, operational excellence, devotion to duty and high morale. Exhorting all ranks to maintain rich ethos and heritage of Garhwali culture, he asked all ranks to work hard with sincerity and dedication to take the Regiment to greater heights of glory.

On this momentous occasion, Gen Mathson launched a Mobile application ‘GARVH’ which has been exclusively created to establish direct communication with all veterans of the Garhwal Rifles. The application will serve as a link between the veterans and Records Garhwal Rifles to solve their problems related to documentation and pension’s claims.

A number of officers and men of the Regiment were also felicitated by him for their outstanding performance in various fields.

National Geographic ‘Counting Tiger’s’ Doon connect

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Tania Saili

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August 6, 2019

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Dehradun, 7th August. This date will mark a new milestone in a career spanning two-decades for Dehradun’s own photographer and videographer Pawan Negi. In his late thirties now, Pawan was part of the team of ‘Counting Tiger’s,’ a documentary that will premier on the 7th of August, at 8pm, on National Geographic.

The only one from Uttarakhand to be part of the project, Pawan was handpicked by London-based company Optimum Television. Their debut documentary captures the herculean task of Tiger Census in two of India’s premier Tiger bastions the Dhikala, Motichur Range in Corbett National Park and Chilla Range that falls within the Rajaji Tiger Reserve.

Pawan Negi started off as a cameraman when he fell short of funds to pursue a career in Hotel Management, today he looks back with no regret, “I started my career as a camera assistant with ETV. I then moved to freelancing with Doordarshan. I have been handling cameras for close to two decades now, and have no complaints.”

Pawan worked closely with renowned wildlife experts Dr. YV Jhala of Wildlife Institute of India along with Director Upma Bhatnagar, Producer Manoj Bhatnagar, Cameramen Shivendra Gaur and Sujit Chaurasiya with Dilip Chaudhari on Sound on the documentary.

Working with the professional crew Pawan learnt along the way. He picked up, “new techniques and nuances about wildlife photography, meeting deadlines and sticking to a rigid schedule.”

As India is considered home to the magnificent animal, greatly admired, feared, worshipped and even hunted to decimation, the documentary closely captures Tiger Census that takes place every four years. Efforts made by officials, villagers on the periphery of the Tiger Reserves, forest guards studying tiger pug marks; grass cover, foliage, habitat, prey presence to put an exact number on the presence of the majestic feline is lauded and the umpteen challenges, highlighted in the documentary.

Walking away with the enriching experience, Pawan has made up his mind to explore the potential in wildlife photography for he believes, “Wildlife and Tourism have a lot of potential, and untold stories need to be told.”

Runglwo RJs divided by boundaries, united by culture

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Tania Saili

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August 2, 2019

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Runglwo, RJs — The young RJs of the Runglwo tribe

Pithoragarh, Two young women Radio Jockeys have taken Community Radio on the Indo-Nepal border to a whole new level. Manju Tinkari and Ishwari Budhathoki live in Darchula in Nepal belong to the Rung tribal community, which has a large presence in the bordering district of Pithoragarh in India as well.

These talented girls air shows on radio in their native language called Runglwo that has found massive fan following on either side of the international borders.

Sharing their wonderful journey with us, Manju Tinkari, talks from her heart when she says, “It is important to speak one’s native language. It is our heritage that has been passed down by our ancestors. I am grateful to my friends who encouraged me to speak in my native language which is now gaining popularity with others from our tribe.”

Manju started off as a young intern with Community Radio when she was in Class 12^th and has today completed four fruitful years with Naya Nepal FM aired on 104.5 Megahertz.

On the other hand, 23-year-old Ishwari Budhathoki has been a radio journalist for Radio Naya Nepal FM for the past three years. Fluent in her native language, Ishwari is an icon for the younger generation who were loosing their hold on their language and culture. She tells us, “I never thought I would be a full time RJ and that too in Runglwo. But now, there is no stopping me! I enjoy my work thoroughly.”

Today, the Rung community on either side of the Indo-Nepal border is proud of these young prodigies. Yogesh Gabriyal speaks for everyone when he says “These young girls have taken the lead in keeping our language, tradition and culture alive. Though they come from across the border, they bring us solace and hope in the knowledge that our native Runglwo culture and language will not disappear all together.”

Nephew visits Nehru’s Ward in Dehradun

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Tania Saili

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August 1, 2019

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Nehru's ward — Pic Courtesy: Raju Gusain

Dehradun, This week, the solitary Nehru Ward in Dehradun had a very special visitor – Jawaharlal Nehru’s great nephew, Nikhil Hutheesing, the son of Ajit Hutheesing and the grandson of Nehru’s second sister, Krishna Hutheesing.

It was more in the nature of a homecoming for the 57-year-old journalist from New York, who came down to Dehradun to put together pieces of his rich lineage. Spending three hours, he explored every nook and corner of Nehru’s ward (initially a cattle shed) where the first Prime Minister spent months in 1932, 1934, 1940 and 1941.

The place was first identified in early 2000, with help from Nehru’s Jail Diaries and his autobiography that pinpointed the exact barrack – now a museum.

Senior journalist and someone who researched and tracked the barrack for years, Raju Gosain spent hours showing Nikhil around, and filling him up on interesting anecdotes of Nehru’s term in Dehradun where he was imprisoned in the valley.

Raju says: “Ever since 2003 when I first wrote about Nehru’s Ward in Dehradun, Nikhil Hutheesing is the first person who actually wished to see the place in person. His passion to know more about his past made me share drawings of the cell, Nehru’s audio clips, chapters from his mother’s book mentioning the day she visited the cell, and how Nehru Jail Diaries also mentioned the day Nikhil’s parents visited him in jail.”

Nehru ward — Nikhil with Raju Gusain in Nehru Ward

Raju adds, “It was here that Jawaharlal Nehru compiled a major portion of ‘Glimpses of World History’ spending one of the longest jail term in 1932.” Today the ward is in the custody of Uttarakhand’s Cultural Department because of its importance in the Indian National Movement.

Enroute to Naini Jail in Allahabad and the Nehru Museum in New Delhi Nikhil hopes to put together bit and pieces of these hidden treasures from the past, which perhaps will be put down on paper. Hopefully it will give us a fresh look at the way things were in the once-upon-a-time days.

Geeta Thakur: Uttarakhands’ high altitude woman porter

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Tania Saili

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July 26, 2019

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porter, woman, dharchula — Moving mountains to conquer mountains

Dharchula, A picture speaks a thousand words. And that’s how I felt when I came across Geeta Thakur’s picture on a Facebook post shared by a friend. Lurking behind the broad smile was story of a strong woman undertaking an arduous journey to live a more dignified life.

29-year-old Geeta Thakur is our first woman high altitude porter for those undertaking the Om Parvat or the Adi Kailash Yatra.

Second amongst eight siblings, Geeta watched how her ageing parents struggled day in day out to keep the hearth warm in their one room rented set in Dharchula. The class 8^th pass-out, Geeta decided to help her family, and with limited job options in her vicinity she was left with little option. As many trekkers’ enroute to Om Parvat or Adi Kailash Yatra, went past her village Jupti, Geeta decided to take become a high-altitude porter, herself.

It wasn’t easy to start with. A lot of resistance and criticism was flung at her, but Geeta remained undeterred and replied, “If you don’t need food to eat, doesn’t mean we dont!” and that silenced her critics.

Geeta is a true daughter of the mountains she calls home, and believes, “no work is big or small. When men and women can eat similar food, why can’t they do similar jobs? I can do anything.” And she does just that, but with a broad smile on her face.

Geeta Thakur set out on the 12^th of July, with a Bengaluru-based father- daughter duo enroute to Om Parvat and Adi Kailash Yatra. She carried 50 kgs and covered 140 kms, over eleven days. Now home, just a little sunburnt, she is more determined than ever to head back soon.

Geeta Thakur is a symbol of equality and women empowerment from the inner recesses of Uttarakhand, one that inspires us not to wait and watch but to conquer mountains of the mind.

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