Mussoorie-based travel writers and Gandhian activist honoured with Padma Shri
Mussoorie: Mussoorie-based travel writer duo Hugh Gantzer and Colleen Gantzer (posthumously), along with noted social activist
Radha Bhatt
, were awarded the Padma Shri on Tuesday.
Hugh Gantzer told TOI, "It is a matter of great honour to receive this award, particularly because I understand that these awards are given based on recommendations by the people of India and only about 120 Padma awards are given each year out of a population of nearly 1.5 billion in our country.
"
He fondly remembered his late wife Colleen, noting that it was her love of travel that inspired their journey into travel writing. The couple began their career when they were commissioned to write a book on Kerala for the India Tourism Development Corporation.
Over the next five decades, the Gantzers produced 52 documentaries for Doordarshan, authored over 30 books, and contributed travel columns to several leading English newspapers.
Their work earned them six national accolades, including a National Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award, and two gold awards from the Pacific Asia Travel Association. In 2017, they also received commendation from the Prime Minister's Office for their pioneering contributions to travel writing.
Radha Bhatt, often referred to as the 'Gandhian of the Hills,' was honoured for her lifelong commitment to women's empowerment and environmental conservation.
Over seven decades, she established 25 Bal Mandirs (children's learning centres), benefitting more than 15,000 children. She also founded a vocational training school for women and launched innovative educational initiatives such as the 'One-Hour School' to provide girls with basic education and practical skills.
In addition to her work in education, Bhatt played a crucial role in environmental preservation. Her efforts led to the planting of over 1,60,000 trees across Pithoragarh and Almora districts. She was a prominent figure in both the Chipko Movement and the Sarvodaya-Bhoodan Movement.
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