Dr Tanu jain
Chief executive officer Bareilly cantonment board Ministry of defence
As I traversed the winding paths of the Himalayas, every breeze whispered ancient truths, and every turn held the silence of sages. Then, tucked amidst the majestic embrace of these sacred mountains, I arrived at Lekhak Gaon—the Writer’s Village. It didn’t feel like a place, it felt like a pause in time, a sacred breath held by the universe.
I was instantly enveloped in calm, and the words of literary and spiritual stalwart Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ ji echoed in my heart: “When you come to Dehradun, you must visit the abode of literary heaven.” Standing there, with mountains as guardians and the breeze caressing my face, I felt the Himalayas awaken something deep within me—a sense of purpose, stillness, and surrender. This was no ordinary village; it was a dream sown by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji—a sanctuary of thought, creativity, and national spirit nestled in nature’s lap.As I walked the serene paths, I wasn’t just moving through geography—I was journeying inward. I entered the Writer’s Cottage, a peaceful haven where seasoned thinkers create and contribute. Each cottage bore the name of a literary icon connected to Himalayan consciousness.
Walking beside me, the CEO of Lekhak Gaon softly recited:
Knowledge gives humility; humility leads to worthiness; worthiness brings wealth; and through wealth comes righteousness and joy. He said, “To hold such knowledge, these cottages were born.” We then arrived at the Himalayan Rasoi, where the air was thick with the warmth of spices and divinity. “Blessed by Maa Annapurna,” he said, “we serve food grown in the sacred soils of the Himalayas.” My eyes lit up as he listed Mandua ki Roti, Tor ki Dal, Kandali ka Saag, Panchmarhi Dal, and more. At once, he ordered gur wali chai, and its aroma wrapped around me like an old memory.
As we sipped, he spoke of Nalanda, of reviving the spirit of ancient Indian learning through literature and libraries. He unfolded the village’s vision, and I listened, mesmerized by how beautifully thought and nature had been woven together. Then came the spiritual gem—27 Nakshatra plants, a Navgrah Vatika, and to my joy as a Jain, 24 sacred plants representing the 24 Tirthankars. I was instantly reminded of our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s words on Navkar Mantra Divas at Vigyan Bhavan—about our duty to preserve nature with spiritual consciousness. My heart swelled when I saw that sacred grove—it felt like a blessing.
Before parting, the CEO ordered one last tea—Shilajit tea—its earthy strength a fitting farewell to a place so grounded in soul. As I picked up my phone and wallet to leave, a gentle wind brushed past me again—as if the Himalayas themselves had whispered a blessing. In that serene silence, I understood why these mountains have been worshipped for millennia. Sparsh Himalaya Abhiyan has captured that sacred pulse, and is now offering it to the world. The Writer’s Village is not just a retreat—it is a living confluence of culture, consciousness, and creativity, inviting every seeker to come home to themselves