The pride of Gorkha Rifles Thaman Gurung was born on 2 October 1924. He joined the Indian Army and was enlisted in 5 Royal Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force). In September 1944 he was placed in 5/1 Gorkha Rifles. The unit was then part of 17 Brigade in 5 Indian Division of the 8th Army. His battalion was deployed to Italy to fight the German army. He was serving in ‘A’ Company. On 10 November 1944 the company was ordered to send a fighting patrol of one platoon to Monte San Bartolo, Italy, high mountain without any cover. The approaches were…
Author: atharva
With its rich history, culture and heritage India stakes its claim for being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Ranking 34th on the world travel and tourism index driven by rich natural and cultural resources, the World Economic Forum has put India in the fifth spot on the Natural Heritage Index in the world. Tourism beckons in every form, writes Kriti Kalra. Mystic India In February 2022, India’s Ministry of Tourism, in order to promote tourism, recognised the immense potential of rural tourism in India. One of the niche areas of tourism emerging in India that…
In her essay, Rashmi Oberoi reminisces her childhood when Holi was unvarnished fun – literally and figuratively – and how this colourful festival started losing its charm what with all awareness about preserving the environment and conservation of water thrown to the winds. When it’s Holi, you know it’s time to tuck away ‘winter’ in all its forms and shades and say goodbye to those cold grey days. Spring is in the air and the festival brings with it unadulterated joy and laughter, music and dance and the beautiful hues of colour. It’s all about those bright coloured powders, known…
The woman who sang in Lata’s voice was invariably a ‘good’ woman. In hindsight, some observers see it as Lata’s limitation but actually, it is a reflection of the kind of protagonists that populated popular cinema in the 1950s and 60s and the style that the composers asked her to adopt. She was invariably called to justify the most intricate compositions and she never let any composer down, avers Raju Korti. Lata’s voice echoed the soul of India that was exuberant and plaintive at the same time. From the first flush of youth to the twinge of separation, there is…
Nikita Shastri points out that while the world grapples with the ill-effects of development, eco-tourism is compatible with sustainable development. It serves the twin benefit of promoting tourism with a conscious sensitisation and awareness towards the environment and its protection and conservation. Every participant becomes a stakeholder in the process. India is one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world and this is also what makes it a popular tourist destination on the planet. Tourists from across the globe descend on this land of wide-ranging geography and landscapes to destress, rejuvenate and to connect with nature. Eco-tourism is…
An acclaimed story-teller Mannu Bhandari was a prominent name in the sphere of Hindi Literature. Having made her mark and admired by countless readers, she will be many teachers and students, particularly those at Miranda House, Delhi University where she taught Hindi literature for a long time. Born on 3 April 1931, Mannu was recognized for her portrayal of women of changing India – the ones who were drawn to modern influences without compromising on traditions. Caught between modernity and tradition, these women find themselves burdened by various unjust and adverse situations that are queered by gender bias. The latter…
Around a decade-and-a-half ago, social activists and NGOs toyed with the nomenclature of the prostitute. She is now called a ‘sex worker’ instead of ‘prostitute.’ But the Census did not implement this change so the sex-worker still remains labelled a prostitute. This change in nomenclature probably arose to bring these marginalised and stigmatised women within the mainstream. Shoma A. Chatterji argues this has not happened and instead it has only vested her with a false sense of self-esteem which she does not possess. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s new film Gangubai Kathiawadi raises questions about the rights of the prostitutes that reminds…
The concept of Health Tourism is synonymous with wellness. Manu Shrivastava makes out a case how over the years, India’s popularity as a tourist destination in the West has been increasing steadily. The blend of Eastern Healthcare Wisdom and Western Medicine expertise provides a winning combination for patients across the world and India has got all it takes to be its hub. Official records reveal the Indian medical tourism industry has been registering an 18 per cent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR). The sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21.1 per cent from 2020 to 2027. And,…
Entrepreneur outspoken and forthright! Rahul Bajaj who passed away on 12 February 2022 was an Indian billionaire businessman and Chairman Emeritus of the Indian Conglomerate, Bajaj Group. A successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, he was an inspirational legend, who built his company’s brands, and Brand India. He was also a Rajya Sabha member (2006-2010). Rahul spoke his mind; was unwilling to bend rules; believed in the Make in India story and was an icon who shaped the two-wheeler industry. He demanded a level playing field for domestic industry while competing with global players. Though not against competition, he refrained from giving…
When it comes to culture-based tourism, India has many things to offer. Add to that the wide spectrum of hues and flavours that come from the country’s rich heritage and multi-splendoured festivals! You get a complete package that is a tourist’s delight, argues Ruchi Verma listing the advantages of Culture Tourism. India is a land of unmatched cultural richness and diversity which is the result of an amalgamation of cultures and religions for centuries. The eclectic mix of cultures is one of the biggest draw for tourists from the world over. India is one of the few zones that offer…