Dateline Dehradun: Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), Jolly Grant, has introduced an M.Sc. Medical Physics, a program offered by only three universities in North India. The program, managed under the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, was inaugurated by Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, President of SRHU.
Dr. Dhasmana emphasized the uniqueness of the program, approved by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). He highlighted the growing global demand for skilled professionals in cancer treatment facilities, citing the increasing prevalence of cancer and the expansion of radiotherapy centers worldwide. He noted that youth aspiring to study such a specialized field like Medical Physics will no longer need to leave Uttarakhand.
The course prepares students for lucrative career opportunities in India and abroad by providing hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment in advanced labs. Students from states such as Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh have already enrolled in the inaugural batch.
This milestone marks a significant step toward making specialized education accessible within Uttarakhand and equipping youth with expertise in cutting-edge medical technologies.
Plastic Waste Management and Awareness Program Organized
Dateline Dehradun: On the occasion of completing the first year of the Plastic Bank Project, initiated by the Social Development for Communities (SDC) Foundation, an environmental action and advocacy group based in Dehradun, a Plastic Waste Management and Awareness program was held at the Foundation’s Plastic Waste Segregation and Learning Center in Mehuwala, Dehradun.
The event focused on discussing methods of managing plastic waste, understanding its environmental impacts, and taking potential steps for its solutions. The program was attended by a large number of officials and staff from various government departments working in the plastic waste sector in Uttarakhand and Dehradun.
Dr. Sanat Kumar from CSIR-IIP shared insights on the operation of the IIP’s Plastic-to-Diesel Lab Project through the Plastic Bank Project and the collaboration with SDC Foundation.
Dr. Ankur Kansal from the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board discussed the environmental impacts of plastic waste and appreciated the significance of the Plastic Bank initiative. He highlighted the joint efforts of the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board and SDC Foundation in the hill areas of the state concerning plastic waste management.
Tajbar Singh Jaggi, Deputy Commissioner of Food and Drug Administration stated that their department would provide SDC Foundation all possible assistance to spread the Plastic Bank Project in the state’s pharmacy industry.
Plastic Waste Management and Awareness Program Organized
Rajesh Bahuguna, Sanitation Inspector of Dehradun Municipal Corporation, addressed the gathering and mentioned that the Municipal Corporation and SDC Foundation would jointly set up more plastic banks in the municipal areas in Dehradun.
Ganesh Kandwal, Deputy Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration and Dr. Neeraj Atrey from CSIR-IIP jointly provided detailed information on the Repurposed Use Cooking Oil (RUCO) mission.
During the program, Dr. Pariva Dobriyal from WII, Ajay Dabral from Mandi Parishad, Narendra Kumar from Dehradun Cantonment Board, Nidhi Thapliyal from the Horticulture Department, Tribhuvan Sanwal, Sanitation Inspector from the Indian Army, and Dr. Bopanna from WWF also shared their thoughts.
Anoop Nautiyal of SDC Foundation expressed gratitude to all the attendees and shared detailed information about the Plastic Bank Project. He shared insights about the gradual progress of the project and its social and environmental benefits. He further stated that their goal is to collectively move towards cleaner and sustainable development in Uttarakhand.
The program was conducted by SDC’s Prerna Raturi and Dinesh Chandra. The event saw the presence of Akhilesh Verma, Ayush Joshi, Pyare Lal, Praveen Upreti, Abhishek Bhatt, Pramod, Bittoo, Subhash, Sunil Verma, Lucky Kumar, and many others who were in attendance.
Dateline Dehradun: Lakudiya Veer a film that breathes life into the cultural pulse of the hill state is ready to hit the silver screen. Made for the target audience who would like to be transported into ancient traditions and stories, this mid-length feature celebrates the Dhol, the sacred drum that has been a symbol of heritage, spirituality, and resilience in the hills of Uttarakhand.
For centuries, the dhol has been more than a musical instrument—it’s a link that connects us to the divine, an instrument that begins and ends festivities and ceremonies. A storyteller in its own right. Lakudiya Veer brings to the forefront lives and stories of those who have devoted themselves to playing this instrument, exploring the depth and beauty of this endangered art form, as well as the challenges faced by those who carry its legacy.
A still from the movie Lakudiya Veer
Directed and written by Navdeep Singh Panwar, Lakudiya Veer takes viewers on a journey through Uttarkashi district, capturing villages of Kamda, Vangaon, Banchora and Hatnali. Through stunning visuals and soulful music, the film highlights the picturesque landscape and cultural wealth these remote areas are resplendent with. Every frame and note is crafted to convey the reverence and importance of Uttarakhand’s heritage.
The film, a result of a dedicated team of talented young men has Shivom Singh, as editor and composer. Director of Photography Shubham Thapa captures the rugged beauty of the Himalaya while Hypemen handles production management. Reyansh Maurya lends his expertise in dubbing, with additional production support from Shubhadarshini Singh and Chandan Singh Panwar.
The cast includes Sanjay Tamta, Ram Prasad Nautiyal, Ashish Kaintura, Sujal Nautiyal, Subodh Gusain, and Nikhil Mohan. Their performances resonate with the spirit of the characters they portray. Sanjay Tamta states, “Lakudiya Veer stands as a one-of-a-kind project for Uttarakhand, preserving the mystical allure of its folk traditions. This film doesn’t just tell a story; it gives the audience a lifetime experience where music, art and culture are inextricably linked.”
Adding further, Shubhadarshini Singh says, “The movie is a powerful reminder of the beauty and significance of our dwindling heritage. It encourages people across age groups to reflect on the importance of keeping these timeless stories alive.“
The film will be released on 25th December 2024 at Ritz (Vasu) cinema, Mussoorie followed by multiplexes in other metro cities.
Dateline Dehradun: 17th November 2024, finale of the Valley of Words (VoW) Literary Festival 2024 culminated with a grand celebration of literature, art, and culture, reaffirming its position as one of India’s most prestigious literary festivals. The event was an immersive experience featuring panel discussions, book launches, candid conversations, cultural performances, and exhibitions, drawing a diverse audience of literary enthusiasts, students, and scholars.
The day began with a houseful Musical Soiree, featuring ITC SRA artists Ashoke Mukherjee and Kalyan Majumdar performing morning ragas, setting the tone for the day.
The festival featured a series of discussions starting with a tribute session to Prof. Dhirendra Sharma, which explored the intersection of science, public policy, and public good. Moderated by Rajendra Dobhal, this session tapped into pressing issues such as artificial intelligence and its impact on the future of medicine. The discussion brought together Amjad Hussain and Dinesh C. Sharma.
Another significant session addressed the demographic implications of border migration in Uttarakhand. Curated by Kuldeep Dutta, the panel featured prominent speakers such as Ranjit Bhatia, RR Sawain, Justice SN Srivastav, and Anoop Nautiyal, who analyzed the socio-economic and security challenges posed by migration trends in border regions.
Poetry @ 90 celebrated the remarkable literary journey of Brigadier KG Behl, who shared excerpts from his rhymed works on themes like the Survey of India, Subhash Bose, and the Bhagavad Gita. The session, chaired by DS Mann and joined by scholars Ram Vinay Singh and Manoj Dhyani, highlighted the enduring power of poetry to convey historical and spiritual depth.
The Lead@VoW initiative continued to shine as students engaged in dialogues with knowledge institution’s representative Dr R Jaya N Gonda Perumal, Senior Scientist of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology and Tasi Wangdi Gurung, Secretary and Khenpo Jamyang Jinpa, Principal from Sakya College with the students of The TonsBridge School and Kasiga School. These discussions provided insights into career opportunities and emphasized the importance of these institutions in fostering a progressive society.
The festival also included engaging book launches, introducing works that ranged from non-fiction to evocative fiction. Notable launches included “Aarohi” by Mukul Kumar, chaired by Someshwar Pandey and discussed by Bharti Sharma, which explored themes of resilience and transformation. “Khaki Mein Stithaprajya” by Anil Raturi, chaired by Radha Raturi and discussed by Sushil Upadhyay, offers an insightful narrative into public service.
Author Amita Thakur’s “Uff Mannoo” was discussed by Sachin Chauhan and chaired by Sushil Upadhyay. Nitin Sathe’s “The Siachen Soldier & Other Stories” was discussed by Ira Chauhan and chaired by Lt Gen (Dr) AK Singh. Shiv Kunal Verma’s “Yodha” was discussed by Lead Discussant Sana Durrani and Chaired by Monisha Datta. Author Supriya Newar’s “Justaju: Kavita, Ghazal, Nazm” was discussed by Bharti Sharma and chaired by Ram Vinay Singh.
Iti Nritya showcased cultural performances and presentations. Award-winning classical dances, including Manipuri by Ratri Manik and Kuchipudi by Sandip Kundu, enthralled the audience with their artistic depth and precision.
The VoW Awardee sessions honoured some of the finest works in literature. Notable discussions included Antim Nimbu by Uday Prakash, with lead discussant Anjum Sharma and chair LS Bajpai, and Zen by Shabnam Minwalla, led by Jyoti Dhawan and chaired by Manoj Barthwal. Truth/Untruth (Satya-Asatya) by Anjam Katyal as translator, led by Bijoya Sawaina and chaired by Satish Aikant. Vibha Batra’s The Chhau Champ highlighted writings for children, featuring Jyoti Dhawan as moderator, Ruma Malhotra as chair and Him Jyoti School’s students Khushboo Aneriya and Yogyta as lead discussants. Shabdon ke Sath Sath by Suresh Pant had LS Bajpai as lead discussant and chair Anil Raturi. Each session exemplified the festival’s commitment to celebrating literary excellence across genres and languages.
Iti Natya by Jaswant Modern Sr. Secondary School showcased outstanding theatrical performances. The dramatization, inspired by the timeless themes of Abhigyan Shakuntalam, displayed the students’ creativity and passion, delivering a stunning mainstage performance.
The Vox Populi debate curated by Dr. Amna Mirza, featured a pre-recorded compelling discussion on “Foreign Policy Should Be Realist, Not Idealist,” by MPs across political parties. A heartfelt tribute titled Jaskiran ki Yaad mein was curated by poets and friends of the late author Jaskiran Chopra who began the session reciting excerpts from her work Mera Shehar along with their verses. This session included Amandeep, Deepanjali Singh, LS Bajpai, Anjum Sharma, Mamta Kiran and Supriya Newar, chaired by Navtej Sarna and co-chaired by Ashutosh Saklani.
The session Principals and Principles brought together educational visionaries Sandhya Awasthi, Vinay Pande, and Sangeeta Kain, who shared insights on the evolving roles of educators in shaping young minds. Moderated by Kul Bhushan Kain, the session underlined the importance of values and leadership in modern education.
Shalini Rao’s Workshop on the Language of Mudras offered a deep dive into the expressive potential of classical dance. Demonstrating the art of conveying emotions through intricate hand gestures, Rao captivated participants with her expertise, enhancing their appreciation of this unique cultural tradition.
In the session For a Fit Fighting Force, military experts, including Maj. Gen. Sanjay Sharma, VADM Vinay Badhwar, AVM Deepak Gaur and Capt. Yashika Tyagi shared insights on maintaining a combat-ready defense force. Moderated by Lt. Gen. PJS Pannu, the discussion emphasized the balance between technology, human resources, and strategic foresight in national defence.
A spiritual journey unfolded during The Travels of Nanak, a session exploring Guru Nanak’s profound influence on history, spirituality, and culture. Chaired by Biju Negi, with contributions from Amandeep Singh, this discussion highlighted Guru Nanak’s teachings and their relevance in contemporary times.
The exhibitions continued to draw significant attention, particularly those showcasing Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage and the products of self-help groups. These displays offered a rich blend of historical and contemporary narratives, resonating deeply with attendees.
The Valediction Ceremony served as a fitting finale to the festival. The ceremony featured the prestigious VoW Book Awards given to its 8 winning authors: Vibha Batra, Shabnam Minwalla, Smriti Ravindra, Uday Prakash, Anjum Katyal, Subhash Neerav, Dr Suresh Pant and Manoj Mitta celebrating the finest contributions in Hindi and English Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Translations. From honouring literary legends to spotlighting emerging talent, the festival successfully bridged generations, disciplines, and communities.
As the curtain fell on the 8th edition, the VoW team expressed gratitude to its sponsors, partners, and participants who contributed to making the event a resounding success. The festival promises to return next year with renewed vigour and an even richer series of literature, art, and culture.
Dateline Dehradun: On 16th November 2024, the eighth edition of the Valley of Words (VoW) Literary Festival 2024 opened to an enthusiastic audience at Hotel Madhuban, Dehradun. The festival, renowned for bridging literature, art, and culture, unfolded its vision of inclusivity, continuity, and innovation, drawing a diverse audience of authors, scholars, students, and enthusiasts.
The Governor launches VoWels
The inaugural ceremony featured a message from the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh (Retd.), who set the tone for the two-day festival. Reflecting on the festival’s growth and its cultural significance, he stated, “First of all, my heartiest congratulations to the entire VoW Team. I would like to congratulate them on the launch of their magazine VoWel, a word that rhymes with Jewel and has been polished with thoughts, words, and feelings.” Highlighting the scale and impact of the event, he added, “The digit 8 itself is a divine letter by itself—50 sessions planned, 75 authors, 12 book launches, and 6 exhibitions—what a beautiful initiative! I found a distinct vibration in the last few editions I have attended.”
A special patriotic dance by students of the Bajaj Institute of Learning for the Deaf followed the Governor’s address. Their performance, blending synchronized choreography with artistic grace, transcended barriers of language and disability to convey a powerful message of national pride and unity, leaving the audience deeply moved and inspired.
The festival’s signature Lead@VoW initiative brought students from eight schools in Dehradun, including Doon International School, Jaswant Modern School, KV IMA, St. Kabeer Academy, Himjyoti School, and Mount Fort Academy, into dialogue with key institutions like the Survey of India, National Hydrographic Office, Forest Research Institute, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Swami Ram Himalayan University, Kala Kendra, and Wildlife Institute of India.
Smriti Ravindra session in progress
These sessions explored career opportunities, the evolution of scientific thought, and the role of these institutions in shaping a progressive India. The “Bharat: Borders and Bluewater” session, chaired by Lt. Gen. PJS Pannu, delved into India’s maritime strategies and territorial borders, with Commodore Hardas, Sanjeev Chopra, and Jyoti Dhawan providing insights into geopolitical and cultural dimensions. Another engaging session, “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” chaired by M.C. Ghildiyal, celebrated biodiversity and conservation, with contributions from Vijaya Ratre and Virendra Tiwari from FRI and Wildlife Institute of India respectively.
Among the highlights was the Nukkad Naatak, performed by the Aaina Theatre Club in collaboration with Graphic Era Hill University. The performance delivered a powerful message of social change and community empowerment.
The festival also hosted several VoW Awardee sessions, including Ambar Pariyan (Hindi Translation from Punjabi), translated by Subhash Neerav, and discussed by Someshwar Pandeya and chaired by Indrajeet Singh. Another session featured Manoj Mitta’s Caste Pride: Battles for Equality in Hindu India, with a compelling discussion with Badri Narayan led by Raja Sekhar Vundru. In the English Fiction category, Smriti Ravindra’s The Woman Who Climbed Trees was the focus of an engaging dialogue with Atul K. Thakur as the lead discussant.
A presentation on Antiques and Antiquity
A notable discussion on the UCC in Uttarakhand explored its implications for the state. Moderated by Yogesh Kumar, the session featured panellists Surekha Dangwal, Manoj Mitta, Badri Narayan, and Mufti Shamoon Qasmi, Chairman UMEB. Another session, The Legend of Doon, offered a rich narrative on Rash Behari Bose, presented by Tarun Vijay and chaired by N Ravi Shanker.
The Candid Conversation series provided further thought-provoking discussions. In A Touch of Salt, author Anita Agnihotri engaged with lead discussant N Ravi Shanker, moderated by Anjum Katyal, while Beyond Biryani featured a dialogue with author Dinesh C Sharma and lead discussant Manoj Mitta. Adding a regional flavour, Stories of the Hills took the audience on a journey through Uttarakhand’s museums, with insights from Lady Kishwar Desai and moderated by Anjali Bhartari Ravi.
In Candid Conversation, the Turkish Ambassador to India, Firat Sunel, shared his perspectives on cultural resilience through the lens of his novel The Lighthouse Family, in conversation with Ratna Manucha. The discussion resonated deeply with attendees, especially those from Partition families, highlighting the enduring bonds of cultural heritage despite geopolitical shifts.
Present tense and imperfect future of offline media
The day also examined the challenges of traditional media in the session Present Tense and Imperfect Future of Offline Media. Moderated by Navneet Gairola and chaired by Sanjay Jasola, the session included discussions by Satish Sharma, Sanjay Abhigyan, and Ankita Uniyal.
The evening Mushaira brought together poets like Popular Meeruthi, Waris Warsi, Shubham Tyagi, and Amber Kharbanda, moderated by RK Bakshi and chaired by S Farooq who mesmerized the audience with their eloquent verses blending tradition and modernity.
The first book launch “Hug Yourself: Body Positivity & Empowerment Stories for Teenagers” with lead discussants as Ratna Manucha and Vibha Batra and chaired by Veena Krishnan. Author Mona Verma’s “The Scent of Himalayas: Stories from the Mystical Mountains”, was discussed by Pooja Marwah with the Chair as Manoj Barthwal. Deepanjali Singh discussed and Ira Chauhan chaired Bijoya Sawian’s “Hill Songs of Love and Longing.” Author Shalini Sawkar’s “Confessions of an IT Employee” was discussed by Sarishma Dangi and Prateek Jain. Indrajeet Singh’s “Bharat Kay Pushkin-Shailendra” was discussed by Mamta Kiran and chaired by Prof Manmohan Chaddha. Iqbal Chandra Malhotra’s “The Nukes, The Jihad, The Hawalas and Crystal Meth” was discussed by Lead Discussant Srishtee Sethi and Chaired by Lt Gen Pannu. Themes ranged from folklore and resilience in the Himalayas to humorous reflections on modern corporate life.
The session chaired by Col. Anupam Suden, explored the preservation of India’s archaeological heritage, with Manoj Saxena presenting invaluable insights into antiquities and their cultural significance.
The day also included an engaging panel titled “Cities of the Future,” curated by Ashish Srivastava, Avinash Chandra Joshi and moderated by Anoop Nautiyal. Experts discussed the challenges and opportunities of urbanization, emphasizing the need for sustainable development and innovative urban planning.
Iti Nritya, 2024
Cultural Performances were a highlight of the day. Kirti Kurande’s Iti Nritya vertical showcased an award-winning classical dance performance. The performances underscored the depth and diversity of India’s classical arts.
The day concluded with a Musical Soiree featuring Sitarist Kalyan Majumdar and Tabla Maestro Ashoke Mukherjee, leaving the audience mesmerized by the rich tapestry of Indian classical music. The guest of honour for the session was Vijay Dhasmana, SRHU.
Six exhibitions enriched the festival experience, showcasing rare manuscripts, literary artefacts, and Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage. These displays included contributions from the Museums of Uttarakhand and self-help groups affiliated with Hesco and Beggar’s Corporation offering a blend of history, artistry, and community spirit.
Musical Soiree by ITC SRA artists
As the festival continues tomorrow, attendees can look forward to another dynamic lineup of sessions, workshops, and performances. With a robust schedule featuring celebrated authors, insightful discussions, and engaging cultural showcases, the event promises to deliver memorable experiences. VoW remains steadfast in its mission to promote literature and foster a deeper understanding of diverse narratives. Attendees can expect to immerse themselves in thought-provoking dialogue, creative expression, and the vibrant spirit of Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage. The festival’s enduring legacy as a platform for innovation and inclusivity continues to grow stronger with each passing year.
A grand event was held on the 29th Mahasamadhi Day of Dr. Swami Rama, the founder of HIHT (Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust).
Dehradun (Doiwala): A grand event was held on the 29th Mahasamadhi Day of Dr. Swami Rama, the founder of HIHT (Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust). As the chief guest, spiritual guru Anandmurti Guru Maa remarked that Dr. Swami Rama, the founder of HIHT, is a heritage of the world. He was a true proponent of service to humanity.
At the ceremony on Wednesday, Guru Maa, founder of Rishi Chaitanya Ashram, stated that Dr. Swami Rama established the Himalayan Institute in 1989 with the guiding principles of “Love, Service, and Remembrance.” She encouraged all students to share ideas and contribute to the growth of society and the nation.
Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, member of the Trust’s executive committee, highlighted HIHT’s identity as the place of penance for Guru Swami Rama. He shared that with Swamiji’s philosophy of “Yogaḥ Karmasu Kauśalam” (Yoga is skill in action) as guiding light the institute plays a leading role in social service. He further emphasized that we continue to carry forward the legacy of Swamiji, emphasizing welfare of others first.
At the event, Radha Bhatt, president of Lakshmi Ashram in Kausani, was honored with the Swami Rama Humanitarian Award 2024. She received a gold medal, a certificate of honor, and a cash prize of ten lakh rupees. Expressing gratitude, Radha Bhatt said Swamiji exemplified social service through the power of science and spirituality and has always been and will continue to be an inspiration for society. Receiving an award in his name is an honor for her she expressed.
On this occasion, 35 employees associated with the Trust were recognized with the Best Employee Award. Additionally, Swami Rama’s writings, including Power of Self-Transformation, Empowerment and Transformation – From the Himalayas to the Ocean, as well as the 2025 annual calendar, were released. A community meal followed in the afternoon where attendees received prasad.
Earlier, at the Swami Rama Center, homage was paid to the late founder of the Trust, Dr. Swami Rama.
The vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Vijender Chauhan.The event was attended by Swami Rithwan Bharti, head of the Swami Rama Sadhak Gram Ashram; Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rajendra Dobhal; Dr. Vijender Chauhan; Dr. Prakash Keshaviah; Dr. Renu Dhasmana; and hundreds of Swamiji’s disciples from India and abroad.
Radha Bhatt: A Crusader for the Mountains for over 6 decades
Radha Bhatt, the president of Lakshmi Ashram in Kausani, has been championing the issues of Uttarakhand’s mountains for 60 years. She was born on October 16, 1933, in Dhurka village, Almora. With a love for education, she began her career as a teacher at Lakshmi Ashram in Kausani, established by Gandhi’s close disciple Sarla Behn, in the early 1950s. In 1957, she joined the Bhoodan Movement and initiated the first march from Uttarakhand, undertaking two long marches with Vinoba Bhave in Uttar Pradesh and Assam.
Between 1961 and 1965, she was active in village self-reliance, anti-alcohol movements, forest conservation, empowerment of young girls, and other initiatives. She also promoted women’s empowerment, environmental conservation, and khadi. In 1975, she led a 75-day foot march to raise awareness about forest conservation, the Chipko movement, alcohol opposition, and village self-reliance. From 2006 to 2010, she surveyed the Himalaya mountains and rivers of Uttarakhand, opposing hydroelectric projects. Her book Himalaya Ki Beti (Daughter of the Himalayas) has been translated into German and Danish. For her work in promoting Gandhian values, she has received several awards, including the Jamnalal Bajaj, Godavari Gaurav, Indira Priyadarshini Environmental Award, Muni Santbal Award, Kumaon Gaurav Award, and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
SRHU’s Outstanding Employee Awards 2024
•Best Teacher Award: Dr. SS Bisht, Dr. Sanjay Gupta
•Best Researcher Award: Dr. Geeta Bhandari
•Best Clinician Award: Dr. Renu Dhasmana
•Administrative Award: Dr. Anil Juyal, Amrendra Singh, Rishabh Dhasmana
Dr Tania Saili Bakshi caught up with Anjali Bharthari Ravi Co-convenor, INTACH and Curator of Khazane: Uttarakhand Museum Community@VoW, 2024. There will be ten exhibits on display showcasing Uttarakhand’s treasure trove on 16th-17th November at Madhuban Hotel, Dehradun.
How relevant are museums in today’s day and age?
AB: Museum spaces are not just about preserving what happened in the past, but it is also about educating the next generation and learning from them. As was seen during COVID, museums assisted in rebuilding relationships, fostering understanding and building companionship amongst people.
Why this exhibit at the 8th Edition of VoW?
AB: As a museum professional I had been exploring the museums in Uttarakhand and decided to form a collective for their capacity-building under the ageis of INTACH. The complimentary space provided by Vow as a member of INTACH and also keeping in mind the footfall it attracts gave me the opportunity to bring to forefront this collective of small museums as a window to the rich cultural heritage of the state.
There is so much to choose from, what could one expect from Nature Interpretation Centre, Forest Department and Archaeology Survey of India?
AB: The Nature Education Centres by the forest department across Uttarakhand are a hub of learning and discovery, offering a range of immersive experiences designed to engage students in the wonders of nature. These centres are dedicated to the conservation of orchids, herbs, lichens, mosses, ferns, birds, butterflies, polinators etc. and help students to explore and understand these species.
The Archaeological Survey of India is depicting their various excavation sites, where we get a glimpse into the past and how relevant it is today.
I believe there is an exhibition from Uttarakashi, what is that about?
AB: The Pratap Museum from Uttarkashi is a wonderful example of an individual, a retired school teacher, Pratap Singh Bist ji, who has invested his own resources in setting up a museum on the cultural heritage of the hill state. His passion to preserve this heritage remains unparalleled. He interacts with the visitors himself painstakingly shows them every small artefact that he has collected over the years. This also rings true for all the other museums. They are essentially individual efforts of collection and representation of the rich cultural legacy of the state.
What is the speciality of Soham Himalayan Museum, Mussoorie?
AB: Soham Himalayan museum is again a repository of collections of Sameer Shukla who has travelled extensively in the Himalayas and collected art and artefacts from the Himalayas and showcases them in a creative way. Some of his artefacts are really unique and the product development that he has done at the museum and the creative way that he has presented his museum is really worth visiting.
We have a very interesting Lok Sanskriti Sangrahalay from Bhimtal, what makes it stand out?
AB: This private museum was founded by Padma Shree Dr.Yashodhar Mathpal in 1983. It presents valuable artefacts and is a treasure trove of old photographs and various archaeological items and rock art found in the hill-state of Uttarakhand.
There is a special display of World War II I am told, can you shed more light?
AB: The Colonel Antiques has been curated by an avid philatelist, Col Anupam Suden who forayed into collecting antiques in 2012. He specialises in collecting Militaria and has built up a collection of some rare Military items that were used during WWI and WWII. He will display roller ball pens, ball point pens, pencils, bronze or bone tools, quills etc in sync with the written word.
What about Mussoorie Heritage Centre?
AB: Museums are very relevant in today’s times especially when a lot of frequent and fast changes are happening around us. They not only are a repository of the past, but also lay the path for the preservation and conservation of our heritage. Mussoorie Heritage Centre fits the bill. It is housed in a Heritage building previously owned by Raja of Harsil Pahari Frederick Wilson. This Centre, owned by one of the oldest families of Mussoorie, is dedicated to Archival, Research, Documentation, Curation , Craft and Design development which showcases the erstwhile history of Mussoorie.
There are two museum exhibits dedicated to Jim Corbett, what is the difference between the two?
AB: The Jim Corbett Museum at Kaladungi is the residence of Jim Corbett converted into a museum in 1967-68. It is adjacent to the village of Chhoti Haldwani. The more recent museum dedicated to Jim Corbett is the one at Rudraprayag that was inaugurated a few months back. It is located at the very same spot where Jim Corbett shot the ‘Man-eater of Rudraprayag’ in 1926. There will also be an on-screen exhibit of videos of the museums for visitors to watch.
Garhwal Rifle Regimental Centre, Landsdowne, is this one dedicated to the Regiment?
AB: Yes, Lansdowne, originally known as Kaludanda or Kalondanda, became home to ‘The Garhwalis’ in 1887. The First Battalion of The Garhwal Rifles, after being raised in Almora, reached Kaludanda on 04 November 1887. On 21 September 1890, the cantonment was renamed Lansdowne in honour of the then Viceroy of India, Lord Lansdowne.
On 1 October 1921, the Garhwal Rifles Regiment Centre was established, marking the beginning of a long and proud history. The Garhwal Rifles is one of the most decorated regiments’ of the Indian Army. The regiment has 3 Victoria Crosses to its credit along with 1 Ashoka Chakra, 4 Maha Vir Chakras, 10 Kirti Chakras and 43 Vir Chakras. The Regiment Centre has achieved numerous milestones in its illustrious journey in training of recruits and combatants, welfare of Veer Naris and veterans and taking the rich traditions forward.
There will also be an on-screen exhibit of the Rung Museum ,Dharchula, Tribal Heritage Museum, Munsayari and Jugal Kishore Pethshali Museum for visitors to watch.
Signing off Anjali reiterates, “The inclusion of the word the ‘community’ in the Uttarakhand museum community is with the mandate of making museums peoples’ museum, were communities can come together to tell stories and relate with one another. It is here where museums become story-tellers of the society.”
Do visit us on 16-17 November, 2024 at Madhuban Hotel.
More of what is in store for our literary community on the 16th-17th November, 2024…
NP : Can you tell us something about the session on the impact of migration on demography in the higher reaches of the state, and its impact on national security?
SC: We have devoted an entire session to this very pertinent subject, which is drawing the attention of the MHA, MoD and the NSA. As the differential between economic prospects as well as the infrastructure for education and health increases between the hills and the plains, there is little reason for the young and ambitious to remain in their villages. What was earlier seasonal migration is now becoming permanent, and this has implications, not just for the individuals and communities, but for the nation as a whole. Border villages are actually the ‘sentinels of the frontier’, and their lifestyle is in sync with their ecological habitat. Any change in the fragile demography and livelihood patterns can have a direct impact on the security scenario. This is being looked at in this session from an administrative, political, social and defence point of view. Curated by Dr. Kuldeep Dutta, it promises to be a riveting discussion between ex-Chief Secretary Indu Pande, Ranjit Bhatia, Anoop Nautiyal and Gen Ahluwalia.
NP : I believe you have a session called Poetry @ Ninety ? What is this about?
SC: This session celebrates the life and journey of Dehradun’s veteran Brigadier Krishan Gopal Behl who superannuated as the Deputy Surveyor General of India way back in 1993. While he never studied English literature formally – he was a Fauji and an engineer who devoted the best period of his life mapping the frontier areas of the country. But post his retirement, he has been very active on the social front: providing leadership position to a range of social institutions ranging from Cheshire Homes to Consumer Forum to the Ex Servicemen League and the Doon Citizens Council. However what brings him closer to VoW is his passion for reading, writing and rhyming. This keeps him mentally alert and active-and the range of his interests is wide and varied, and we get some idea of this from his Times of India blogs.
Poetry@Ninety will feature three of his books in rhyme – the first of these is on the Survey of India, the second on Subhash Bose, and the third on the Bhagwad Geeta . Now, all the three themes are quite distinct, and in order to render the entire text into verse while keeping the context in perspective is actually a commendable effort, which can only be described as a ‘labour of love.’ I have had the privilege of receiving signed copies of each of these books . Often while going through the rhymes, I marvel at the clarity of his understanding as well as the choice of words. As I want readers to attend his session, I will not delve into all the details. But I can say that he is a good raconteur. He will be in conversation with senior professor Ram Vinay Singh and Manoj Dhyani, who are profound scholars of the Bhagwad Geeta. The session is being chaired by Sh DS Mann, a distinguished entrepreneur and educator of Dehradun.
NP :There is a session entitled ‘Cities of the Future?’ What can one expect from that?
SC: Urbanization is one of the three mega trends facing the : the other two being interstate migration and participation of women in the workforce. Actually, in a way all three reinforce each other. The country has addressed the challenges of food and livelihood security, but in the process, urban agglomerations have seen an unprecedented, and if may say, unplanned expansion. Now the time has come for us to address the issue of improving urban infrastructure, as well as creating new greenfield cities. While earlier cities were built around manufacturing centres, the new cities need IT, power, water, housing, sports, cultural centres and open spaces. It calls for a new kind of imagination. As this is not my area of expertise, I requested Ashish who has done stellar work in urban planning to curate this discussion, and we have some of the best names in the urban infra space joining us for this session . Akhilesh and Avinash are both associated with the Doon University, and the conversation is being steered by Anoop Nautiyal .
I have given this session the title -A Square – for all the four discussants have their names starting with an A ! You may call it coincidence, or you may say it is providence, but what is certain and sure is that the session will yield many insights into the cities of the future. And we hope that Dehradun is one of them.
NP :I believe the Turkish Ambassador is also attending the festival . What will he be discussing ?
SC: The Turkish Ambassador to India Firat Sunel is an accomplished literary personality in his own right. In fact, he has attended more literature festivals in India and Bhutan than most Indian authors. His novel The Lighthouse Family is being discussed in the festival by author-educator Ratna Manucha and Ambassador Navtej Sarna. Both Excellencies have seen the impact and the aftermath of population exchanges when the national borders are altered/adjusted to suit the political dispensation of the given omen. But while borders can divide territories, the cultural connect built over centuries cannot be brought to an abrupt end. In that sense , the Lighthouse family is much like the genre of Partition literature, and as Dehradun has many Partition families, it will resonate well with their lived experiences.
See you all on 16th-17th November, Madhuban Hotel, Dehradun
The Valley of Words Literature and Art Festival enters its 8th Edition this year. Dr Tania Saili Bakshi caught up with Founder Dr Sanjeev Chopra to find out what one can expect from this year’s Literature and Art Festival scheduled for the 16th-17th of November.
How do you decide the topic for Vox Populi ? And how do you manage to get MPs from across party lines ?
Well, the credit for this goes to our Board member Dr Amna Mirza. As a distinguished teacher of political science and as a social entrepreneur she is in touch with young political leaders across the spectrum. Our challenge is to find a topic on which MPs can engage without having a strict party line to fall back upon. For example ,if we were to hold a discussion on a topic like, say the caste-based census, option is so clearly divided that MPs will have no option but to parrot the party line. As such we have always taken care to select a topic which allows for a frank exchange f views. As for example, the discussion on whether English is (also) an Indian language, or whether urbanisation is the panacea to all our problems, and whether the best debates occur outside of parliament. This is how we brainstormed and thought of this subject ‘Foreign Policy should be realist, not idealist.’ We are happy to share theKamaljeet Sherawat from the (BJP – Bharatiya Janata Party), Gaurav Gogoi (INC- Indian National Congress), Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu (TDP – Telugu Desam Party), Manoj Jha (RJD – Rashtriya Janata Dal), Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal (AAP – Aam Aadmi Party), Dr. V. Sivadasan (CPI – M – Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Pushpendra Saroj (SP – Samajwadi Party) have sent in their confirmations .
I believe there are two tribute sessions? Could you elaborate upon them?
Last year, we lost two very active members of the VoW family Jaskiran Chopra and Dhirendra Sharma. Jaskiran had in fact attended the first preparatory meeting of VoW way back in March of 2017. She had attended every single festival, launched her books, curated our sessions, written about us in her columns, and trained our volunteers to write short crisp reports and blogs on our sessions. We will honour her by asking each of the invited poets to recite some verses from her collection, before reading out their own. My own association with her goes back to over two decades – she was then reporting for the UNI, and I was a Secretary to the Governor of Uttaranchal ( as Uttarakhand was then called).
Prof Dhirendra Sharma was an engaged intellectual. Although for health reasons, he could not attend any of our sessions post Covid, his support to VoW came in the form of helping us select the books on environment and ecology. As the head of the Committee of Scientists for a sane nuclear Policy, and the Editor of an ISSN numbered science journal PSA (Philosophy & Social Action ) he led the debate on the pros and cons of nuclearization of our energy sector . The session has been curated by our Board Member Rajendra Dobhal who heads our science, environment and ecology vertical. He is also organising a session which looks into Artificial Intelligence and the future of medicine. As a senior educator and as a VC, he is aware of the interface between science and society, and these sessions help in bridging a vital information gap between the adherents of pure, applied and social sciences. I may mention that the Swami Rama Himalayan University which he helms is also one of the eight knowledge institutions participating in the Lead@VoW initiative.
VoW is a literature festival? Why do you look at Military History and Strategy?
Because so much of our public discourse is on the issue of defence. And we would like our discussions to be fact based , and with a vision for the future. As things stand today, in absolute terms, a figure of 6 .22 lakh crores for the defence forces looks substantial. But it is just about 1.9 percent of our GDP and less than 13 percent of our budget. Much of this goes to pay and pension, and this expenditure is likely to rise in the coming years. Therefore, finding the right balance between technology upgradation and the human resources for our defence forces ,which in the years to come have to be prepared for any and all possible exigencies becomes important. We will have a viewpoint from all the three wings – army , air force and navy about India’s strategic options and possibilities. The MHS vertical is chaired by our Board member Lt Gen PJS Pannu.
Are there exhibitions lined up as well?
Yes. The first of these is on the museums of Uttarakhand, which is being curated by Anjali Bhartari . These include ( ask her for names of museums ). Then we have an exhibition of the products prepared by the SHGs affiliated to Hesco. There is the Iti Lekh- an exhibition of books, Iti Smriti – the Vow memorabilia and an exhibition of the best products of Uttarakhand and Tribes India.
What about Hindi literature lovers? Do we have anything special lined up for them as well?
Oh yes. As mentioned earlier, the authors of all the three Hindi award winning books i.e. Dr Suresh Pant, Subhash Neerav and Uday Prakash will be here. We have our Board member Lakshmi Shankar Bajpai, Mamta Kiran and Anjum Sharma with us on both the days. As many of your readers may be aware, we have already held a full-fledged Hindi vertical at the Graphic Era Hill university in the last fortnight of September. The best part is that this year, we have a very active engagement with the university and school teachers. I would like to make a mention of the special edition of Sadaneera, curated by Anjum Sharma which carries the reviews of all the forty shortlisted books, including those of English fiction and non-fiction. Till last year, for the English books, we used to translate the write -ups published in The Book Review. We have a Mushaira session and a Poetry Tribute session in Hindi, English and Urdu, along with five book launches in Hindi as well.
We hear that there is a special edition of VoWels ? Tell us about it ?
From this year, we have decided to launch our own publication – this will have reviews and author interviews of our short-listed authors , as well as opinion pieces from the curators of different verticals. This will cover almost everything we do – from the International MotherLanguage Day to all the knowledge verticals held across the country. The edition has been designed by our Board member, Kishore Menon, and will reflect his stye and aesthetic.
And is there anything that you would like to add ?
Yes, the support we have received from our sponsors – from REC, Government of Uttarakhand, Ministry of Tourism , Green Panel, ONGC, Urbana, Cello, NAFED, Gujarat Ambuja, Nestle, LSC, Teesta, Tropolite, GVM. A very special thank you to Technopak who manages our website and our corporate outreach, The Print, Garhwal Post and Radio Zindagi and AIR for giving us all the coverage that has helped us become the numero uno festival, not just in Dehradun but also in Indore, Pune, Chennai and New Delhi.
The Valley of Words Literature and Art Festival enters its 8th Edition this year. Dr Tania Saili Bakshi caught up with Founder Dr Sanjeev Chopra to find out what one can expect from this year’s Literature and Art Festival scheduled for the 16th-17th of November.
This is the eighth edition of VoW. What has changed, and what remains the same?
Well, I would say that each of our editions reflect both continuity and change – in equal measure. This edition will feature 75 authors in fifty sessions as well as twelve book launches, four candid conversations, six exhibitions and Vox Populi – the debate among parliamentarians. The core element – that of celebrating the eight best books in the genres of Hindi and English Fiction, non-fiction and translations remains the same, as well as celebration of poetry in Urdu, Hindi and English, besides the award-winning performances of Iti Natya and Iti Nritya are continued year on year. The VoW REC Award winning books include ENGLISH FICTION: Smriti Ravindra for The Woman Who Climbed Trees, ENGLISH NON-FICTION Manoj Mitta for Caste Pride: Battles for Equality in Hindu India, HINDI FICTION Uday Prakash Antim Nimbu, HINDI NON- FICTION Dr Suresh Pant for Shabdon Ke Sath Sath; WRITING FOR YOUNG ADULTS Shabnam Minwalla for Zen, WRITINGS/PICTURE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN Vibha Batra for The Chhau Champ, HINDI TRANSLATION Subhash Nirav for Ambar Pariya and Anjum Katyla in ENGLISH TRANSLATION for Truth/Untruth.
While the format of the Candid Conversations and Vox Populi is the same, the themes reflect issues that have a bearing on the contemporary. This explains the discussions on the uniform civil code for Uttarakhand and its implications for India, the impact of migration on the demography of Uttarakhand and the future of the print media.
What is new this year is Lead@ VoW- a unique initiative in which we have tried to connect Himjyoti School, Gyananda School, Jaswant Modern Sr Sec School, Doon International School, Mount Fort Academy, The Tonsbridge School, St. Kabeer, Kasiga with eight top knowledge institutions of Dehradun Dr. Dwijen Sen Memorial Kala Kendra, Forest Research Institute, Naval Hydrographic Office, Survey of India, Swami Rama Himalaya Institute, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Wildlife Institute of India and Sakya College. Select students have visited these knowledge centres, held discussions with the key stakeholders, and are ready to engage with those at the helm of these institutions to understand, not just career opportunities for students, but also the contribution of these centres in the evolution of a Viksit Bharat.
How has the festival evolved over the years?
I would say that the evolution has been incremental. Our outreach with the universities , schools, knowledge institutions and communities has certainly increased. Our volunteers are taking over many of the communication functions – this has certainly given the festival a ‘feel young, look young look’. The introduction of Iti Natya (over the last three years) and Iti Nritya (over the last two years) have been very positive features. We dropped the school and college debate because we felt that many other platforms were available. The idea is not to replicate anything which is being done by other institutions, but to have as many opportunities and options for our attendees.
Tell us more about Iti Nritya and Iti Natya verticals?
The full credit for these verticals goes to Shalini Rao. She has the tough task of inviting entries, and heading the adjudication team which selects the best entries from the genre of eight classical dances. The three artists selected this year include Kirti Kurande (Kathak), Ratri Manik (Manipuri) and Sandip Kundu (Kuchipudi). She will also be doing a session called ‘Mudrao ki Bhasha‘ (Language of the Mudras). With regard to Iti Natya , we have been collaborating with Young Indians of CII. This year, the theme was Abhigyan Shakuntalam in which: Doon International School,Doon Global School, Gyananda School, Himjyoti School, Jaswant Modern Sr. Sec School, Ma Anandmayi School, Shri Ram Centennial School, St. Kabeer School, The Tonsbridge School, The Oasis School, Wisdom Global School, Haridwar participated. The award-winning school will get to perform on the main stage.
Give us a brief of what all topics will we be covering over the two-day Signature Event?
I would suggest that you include the session schedule as an annexe to the interview – for it is not really possible to cover all the sessions – and to me each session is special and unique. In fact, one USP of our festival is that we do not bank on celebrities or controversies. And I also run the risk of annoying the authors/ resource persons of any session that I do not mention here . Everyone is sensitive, but writers and artists, more so!
What special do we have for school students?
As I mentioned Lead@ VoW has seen a very positive involvement of the school students . I am sure they will enjoy this. They may also like the exhibition of the Museums of Uttarakhand as well as the session on Antiquities and Antiques, which we are organizing with INTACH and the Archaeological survey of India.
Do college going students have sessions that could interest them? Are you tying up with local universities?
Yes, indeed. And the response has been overwhelming. Doon University, DIT, IMS, Graphic Era, GEHU, SRHU, Uttaranchal and UPES are all participating in this edition. Some of them have adopted sessions, preparing their students as rapporteurs and also helping in the curation of sessions. Another forum which will interest the college going students is the Candid Conversations.
How many book launches have been scheduled over two days?
We have twelve book launches: I will not name the books for two reasons. First, I do not wish to play favourites, and second, perhaps even more importantly, I want your readers to look at the session schedule, and in any case, we will resume our conversation tomorrow.
(This interview will be presented in two parts, tune in tomorrow for more on VoW 8th Edition)
