The American Who Made Himachal an Apple State: The Legacy of Satyanand Stokes
August 15 is celebrated across India as Independence Day, but for the people of Himachal Pradesh, this day has another significance. It marks the beginning of the apple harvest season, a crop that has transformed the region's economy. At the heart of this revolution lies an extraordinary tale of an American man who, more than a century ago, sowed the seeds of a horticultural empire in the hills of Himachal. His name? Samuel Stokes, or as he later came to be
Himachal Pradesh’s Fight Against Tuberculosis (TB): Progress, Challenges, and Community Efforts
Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most serious public health challenges in India, despite various initiatives aimed at its elimination. Himachal Pradesh, a state with diverse geography and rural population, has been actively working to tackle this infectious disease. The State Tuberculosis Cell (STC) recently reported that 12,835 TB patients are currently under treatment, with Kangra district leading the numbers with 2,322 cases. The state’s multi-sectoral approach and community-driven initiatives have been instrumental in curbing
Sanawar’s Journey: From Historic Beginnings to India’s Top-Ranked Vintage Boarding School
Lawrence School, Sanawar Ranked 1st Among Vintage Co-ed Boarding Schools Lawrence School, Sanawar, has yet again proved its prestige by securing the top spot in the "Vintage Co-ed Boarding Schools" category in India. This recognition was awarded by Education World, which announced its India Schools Ranking (EWISR) for 2024-25. The EWISR, known as the world’s largest and most comprehensive school ratings and rankings survey, is based on field interviews with over 8,500 stakeholders in school education across the country. The award was received
Three-Day Yamuna Sharad Mahotsav Concludes in Paonta Sahib,(Sirmaur): A Celebration of Culture, Heritage, and Unity
The three-day state-level Yamuna Sharad Mahotsav, which began with much anticipation and fervor, concluded in Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, bringing together people from various parts of the state and neighbouring regions such as Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. This annual festival not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the region but also fosters a sense of respect and dedication towards local traditions. It provides a platform for showcasing the cultural and historical importance of Paonta Sahib while promoting unity and communal
Himachal to Get Umbrella Act Covering All Water-Related Laws: A Step Towards Climate Resilience and Fiscal Reform
What’s in the News?Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, recently announced the formulation of an umbrella act that would consolidate all water-related laws in the state. This initiative aims to streamline and strengthen the legal framework governing water resources while ensuring that the state's interests are safeguarded. The act is expected to address ongoing legal battles, including the water cess issue on hydropower generation. What is the Umbrella Act?The proposed umbrella act is intended to
Shant Mahayagya at Churdhar: A Celebration of Faith, Tradition, and Culture
Himachal Pradesh, often referred to as Dev Bhoomi (the Land of Gods), is renowned for its rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Among the numerous traditions that have flourished over thousands of years, the Shant Mahayagya stands as a powerful testament to the region's deeply rooted devotion. The recently concluded Shant Mahayagya at the Churdhar temple, dedicated to Shirgul Maharaj, captured the essence of Himachal's vibrant Dev culture. After a long gap of 52 years, the grand event drew together thousands of devotees