Things I got to learn travelling Haryana on a cycle 27/09/2024
Haryana, separated from Punjab in 1966, shares more cultural similarities with its neighboring state Rajasthan than with Punjab. As a predominantly Hindu state, Haryana takes pride in preserving its traditions and is considered one of the most developed northern states. Situated next to rapidly growing cities like Chandigarh, Gurgaon, Delhi, and Ghaziabad, Haryana benefits from greater opportunities in education and employment along with better infrastructure compared to some of its neighboring regions. The state is also famous for its rich culinary tradition, marked by the heavy use of dairy, and for producing some of India's finest athletes who have excelled on the global stage. …
Things I got to learn travelling Punjab on a cycle 14/09/2024
Things I got to learn travelling Punjab on a cycle Punjab, a key entry point for any invasion from the west, has been a battleground for centuries. Its strategic location has made it a constant flashpoint of conflict, shaping its history and the …
Jammu and the KASHMIR truth: What I learnt travelling the UT on a cycle 29/08/2024
Jammu and Kashmir stands as a unique and complex Union Territory in India, characterized by its distinct regions—Jammu and Kashmir—each with vastly different cultures, demographics, terrains, traditions, and ways of life. This division under a single administration reflects a broader conflict that has strained India’s relationships with both Pakistan and China. The region’s intricate and often turbulent history is mirrored in its present, where the lack of widespread tourism in Kashmir, aside from a few pilgrimage sites, has led much of the public's understanding to be shaped by media and news outlets, which often have their own biases and agendas.
The true nature of Jammu and Kashmir remains elusive, even to those who attempt to understand it. The region exemplifies the broader political complexities of India, with varying perspectives from the military, civilians, businesspeople, police, government employees, and local residents all contributing to a fragmented view of reality. This diversity of opinion and experience makes it exceedingly difficult to form a cohesive understanding of the situation. Corruption and administrative challenges are prevalent, exacerbated by the region's immense diversity, which complicates the implementation of uniform policies. Additionally, unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir is notably high compared to other parts of India. …
Things I got to learn travelling Ladakh on a cycle 11/08/2024
When people think of Ladakh, the first thing that often comes to mind is tourism. Known for its stunning Himalayan landscapes, including the Nubra and Zanskar valleys and the breathtaking Pangong Lake, Ladakh is a popular holiday destination. However, there is much more to this region than tourism, aspects of which are often overlooked.
Ladakh is divided into two districts, Leh and Kargil, and only achieved Union Territory status in 2019. These districts are culturally distinct, with Leh being predominantly Buddhist and Kargil largely Muslim. Life in Ladakh is harsh and challenging, far more than one might expect. Situated at an elevation of over 10,000 feet above sea level, the region experiences reduced oxygen levels due to the sparse vegetation and dry mountain landscape. Wind speeds can exceed 100 km/h in many areas, and for about four months each year, heavy snowfall effectively halts daily life, confining locals to their homes. …
Things I got to learn travelling Himachal Pradesh on cycle 03/07/2024
Before starting this article, I must explicitly state that "All the states in India are one, but Himachal Pradesh is different." Touring Himachal on a bicycle exposed me to a variety of life experiences I hadn't encountered in the previous 12 states combined. The constant diversity from the north to the south of Himachal is mind-blowing. The southern region, Kinnaur, Spiti, and Lahaul each have their own unique flavors and essence, making it feel like you've crossed several different states within the nation.
From the exotic fruits grown in various parts of Himachal to the alarming rise of drug use, the state offers a stark contrast to travelers. Tourism is booming at an exponential rate, altering the demographics and cultures of many places. Just as Uttarakhand is considered Devbhoomi (land of the Gods), so is Himachal Pradesh. There are places in Himachal where land is owned by Gods rather than the government, and the word of the God, spoken by a human, is considered final. …
Things I got to learn travelling Uttrakhand on cycle 09/06/2024
Crossed by the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is known as the "Land of Gods" (Deva Bhumi). This holy land is dotted with temples located in some of the highest places in the world, and both locals and visitors come to pray, feeling a deep sense of spirituality and devotion. Unlike its predecessor state, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand has distinct demographic and geographical characteristics. The state's hilly terrain makes it a prime tourist destination for people from northern India, contributing significantly to its economy.
Despite the thriving agricultural sector, farming in Uttarakhand faces numerous challenges. The lack of job opportunities, coupled with threats from wild animals and issues like heavy rains and landslides, makes life difficult for the locals. The state is divided into two main regions, Kumaon and Garhwal, where residents speak Kumaoni and Garhwali, respectively. Despite the linguistic differences, the cultural similarities between these regions are striking. …
Insights into the mind of a female solo traveller in India 23/03/2024
Although solo traveling for females is gaining momentum in India, it remains a relatively new concept, often met with skepticism and questioning from others. The challenges faced by women traveling alone in India are numerous, ranging from safety concerns to societal norms. Despite these hurdles, there are brave and adventurous women who choose to embark on solo journeys across the country. The real curiosity lies in understanding what motivates them to take such bold steps when the comfort of home beckons.
As a fellow solo traveler, I found myself pondering these questions, eager to gain insights into the mindset of female solo travelers in India. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to meet Payal Agarwal, an intrepid solo traveler hailing from Kotha, Rajasthan, and currently residing in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. With her extensive experience hitchhiking across nearly half of India on a budget, Payal provided invaluable insights into the initiation, challenges, and motivations of female solo travelers. …
Things I got to learn travelling Telangana on cycle 07/03/2024
When a state undergoes division in India, it often heralds a shift in resource allocation, favoring the newly formed state over its parent counterpart. This redistribution of resources typically results in the enhanced development of the newly created state, as it redirects previously allocated funds towards its own welfare and infrastructure. Reflecting on my travels to Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, I've witnessed these states either surpassing or rapidly approaching the level of development of their parent states.
However, the case of Telangana presents a stark contrast. Despite its separation from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana remains significantly behind in terms of development. Historically, the region governed by the Nizam was left underdeveloped under the Andhra Pradesh regime, making it exceedingly challenging for Telangana to catch up in terms of equitable development.
The linguistic landscape of Telangana, heavily influenced by Urdu, stands out as a prominent differentiator, alongside intricate political dynamics that have both facilitated and hindered the state's progress post-separation from Andhra Pradesh. …
Things I got to learn travelling Chattisgarh on a cycle 15/02/2024
Just as Jharkhand inherited the more prosperous regions of Bihar during the partition in 2000, Chhattisgarh similarly gained the advantageous portions of Madhya Pradesh upon its division. Chhattisgarh stands as one of the nation's fastest-growing states, endowed with abundant mineral resources including iron, bauxite, limestone, dolomite, coal, and tin. It contributes 15% of the country's steel production and boasts a surplus of electricity for the state's needs, a rarity among Indian states. With dense forest cover accounting for 12% of the nation's total, Chhattisgarh holds significant ecological wealth. During my time in Chhattisgarh, I observed a noticeable disparity in development compared to neighboring Madhya Pradesh. Like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh is predominantly inhabited by tribal communities, constituting 30% of the state's population, surpassing Jharkhand's 24%. While I acknowledge potential biases stemming from my mode of travel and personal perspective, I have endeavored to minimize them. Should any points raised in this article seem inappropriate or inaccurate, I welcome your feedback in the comments section below. …
How do regional film industries form and rise in India? 20/01/2024
India, renowned for its linguistic diversity, boasts over 120 major languages, 270 mother tongues, and a staggering 19,500+ dialects. Within this linguistic tapestry, 22 major film industries thrive, with over 1000+ production organizations spanning the nation. The emergence of YouTube as a platform has significantly contributed to the growth of newer regional film industries in India. Despite the dominance of major film industries, lesser-known production houses operating in local regional languages are quietly flourishing and steadily gaining prominence.
During my extensive cycling tour across India, I had the privilege of interacting with individuals passionately contributing to the formation and growth of the Nagpuri and Khotta film industry, representing the regional language of Jharkhand and various parts of West Bengal. Engaging with a collective of artists, including the emerging Nagpuri/Khotta actor, 23-year-old Badnam Sanam, and the esteemed 26-year-old actor-cum-producer Rahul Kumar Mahato, provided valuable insights into the dynamics of shaping a regional film industry in India. With Jharkhand alone boasting 30 languages, witnessing the rise of a new industry in Nagpuri and Khotta was both captivating and mesmerizing. Exploring the inner workings of this burgeoning industry proved to be enlightening, surprising, and as entertaining as watching one of its films. …
