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 identity of its people. Today, Punjab is known for having the highest […]
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Despite Bihar and Jharkhand having separated only in 2000, my tour across both states revealed stark differences in aspects such as population, culture, industrialization, communities, language, availability of resources, and people’s mindset. Having previously encountered challenges while traveling in densely populated Bihar, my experience in Jharkhand was unexpectedly pleasant. The state boasted greenery and forested areas, surpassing my observations in the other eight states I visited. Notably, 25% of Jharkhand’s population consists of tribals, contributing to a unique and welcoming atmosphere. The warm hospitality and calm nature of the people left a lasting impression, reminiscent of the legendary M.S. Dhoni, who not only exemplifies Jharkhand’s cricketing prowess but also reflects the character depth of its residents. Despite abundant mineral resources, the state faces significant developmental setbacks attributed to a challenging political landscape. In this article, I aim to share my unbiased travel experiences in Jharkhand, acknowledging potential personal biases and travel modes. I encourage readers to provide feedback and constructive comments, recognizing the subjective nature of my observations.
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When seeking perspectives on underdevelopment in India, Bihar often takes the spotlight as the least developed and poorest state. Renowned for its educational shortcomings and the highest population density in the country, traveling through Bihar offers a glimpse into life amid limited education and prosperity. Despite the initial similarities with Uttar Pradesh in culture and lifestyle, a closer connection with locals unveils subtle distinctions between the two states. During my extensive cycle tour across India, I delved into Bihar’s living conditions, drawing comparisons with other states I visited. While I strive to minimize bias, my conclusions inevitably reflect my travel mode and personality. Approach the article with a critical eye, and feel free to suggest any amendments in the comments.
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Uttar Pradesh is commonly perceived by the rest of India as the birthplace of many politicians, an agricultural hub, a region witnessing a reduction in crime rates, and the most densely populated area in the country. This state has cultivated a reputation for its significance in politics, issues related to crime, religious landmarks, and the challenge of unemployment due to its immense population. During my extensive cycling journey throughout this diverse state, I had the opportunity to experience these aspects firsthand. In this article, I share my personal insights on various topics. While I’ve strived to maintain objectivity, please keep in mind that some bias may arise from my mode of travel and personal perspective. I welcome your comments and any disagreements, along with your reasons, in the comment section below.
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