Off the Beaten Track

Ramesh Jangid sees himself as more than just the proprietor of Apani Dhani eco-farm situated in Nawalgarh, Rajasthan. Concerned about the adverse effects of tourism on the surrounding area of Shekahawati, known for its beautiful painted towns, he pioneered a sustainable low impact project that would both attract visitors and benefit local people. Here he tells why he passionately believes that small scale tourism can make a positive difference.

Anupam Sah, director of the Himalayan Society for Heritage and Art Conservation, has spent much of his life dedicated to art conservation. He particularly initiated work with artisans in the village of Raghurajpur, Orissa, to save the southern Indian state’s precious heritage of manuscripts and paintings. And here he illustrates how this restoration project was a force for social change in helping transform impoverished communities.

After spending much of his life located all over India, General Jimmy Singh retired to the remote village of Samthar that nestles in the low Himalayas of Bengal. The village comprises hamlets of scattered homesteads set amidst terraced farmland. Here, General Singh explains why he has initiated homestay holidays in Samthar and helped to set up a pre-school facility for local children.

Above photo of children at Asha Ka Jharna school for disabilities, Narwalgarh - supported by Apani Dhani. Inset photo on Environment page of General Jimmy Singh.

Feature length 30 mins. For further details see related websites - www.apanidhani.com and www.insider-tours.com

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