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News18
5 days ago
- News18
It's India's 1st Smoke-Free Region, Has World's Highest Cricket Ground. But Called ‘Sleeping State' — Why?
Himachal is also known as 'Dev Bhoomi', the Land of Gods. Himachal Pradesh, known for its snow-covered mountains, thousands of glaciers, and even the world's highest cricket ground, is one of India's most unique states. Yet, despite these remarkable features, it is often referred to as the 'Sleeping State." The reason lies not in laziness but in the calm way of life followed here. People live close to nature, keep to simple routines and rest early. This peaceful lifestyle is what gives the state its unusual nickname. Nights End Before They Begin In many parts of Himachal Pradesh, the day begins with sunrise. People wake up early, finish their work before evening and prefer to eat dinner before dark. By nightfall, most homes are quiet. This long-followed habit of sleeping early has become a defining feature of village life here. Mountain Calmness The state's beauty plays a big role in its slow pace. Snow-covered mountains, green valleys and clear rivers give Himachal its fresh air and pleasant, cool weather. The scenery and weather naturally create a restful mood, which is very different from crowded city life. Himachal is India's first smoke-free state, a milestone achieved through schemes like the Himachal Grihini Suvidha Scheme and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. These provided free LPG connections to households that reduced indoor smoke. The state also has strict plastic restrictions. Vedic Connection Himachal is also known as 'Dev Bhoomi" – the Land of Gods. Ancient sages like Manu, Vashishth and Ved Vyas are believed to have lived and meditated here. Temples such as the Manu Temple in Manali and Vashishtha Ashram near the Beas River still draw spiritual seekers from around the world. Himachal's 'Mini Switzerland' Khajjiar, a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh, is often called 'Mini Switzerland" because of its striking resemblance to the European country. This title dates back to July 7, 1992, when Willy Blazer, the Vice Chancellor and Head of the Swiss Chancery in India, visited and was reminded of Switzerland's landscapes. A signboard was put up by him that showed the distance from Khajjiar to Bern. He also took a stone from Khajjiar, which was later placed in a collage outside the Swiss Parliament as a memento of this unique connection. Home Of The Dalai Lama Dharamshala, especially its suburb McLeod Ganj in Himachal Pradesh, is famously known as the 'home of the Dalai Lama." Since 1959, it has been the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, and the seat of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959, the Dalai Lama fled his homeland and sought refuge in India. The Indian government welcomed him and his followers and allowed them to settle in Dharamshala. By 1960, the Tibetan Government-in-Exile was formally established here. This area, often called 'Little Tibet," is a centre for Tibetan culture. Land of Glaciers Himachal Pradesh has over 2,500 documented glaciers. They are found in regions like Bara Banghal, Lahaul Spiti and Chandra valley, feeding major rivers such as the Beas, Ravi and Satluj. World's Highest Cricket Ground Built at a breathtaking 2,444 meters (8,018 feet) above sea level, the Chail Cricket Ground in Himachal Pradesh holds the title of the highest cricket ground in the world. It is located inside the Chail Military School and also hosts cricket and polo matches. The Fruit Bowl Of India The state's climate is perfect for fruit farming. Apples, peaches, plums, pears, cherries, kiwis, strawberries and apricots are grown here. This is why this state has earned the title 'Fruit Bowl of India." Orchards here are not just farms; they are a part of the state's identity. top videos View all Asia's Pharmaceutical Hub Baddi, in Himachal Pradesh, is one of Asia's largest pharmaceutical manufacturing hubs. It produces medicines for both domestic use and export. It is a significant contributor to India's pharma industry. tags : Himachal Pradesh viral news view comments Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: August 12, 2025, 12:23 IST News viral It's India's 1st Smoke-Free Region, Has World's Highest Cricket Ground. But Called 'Sleeping State' — Why? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Glasgow Times
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Dalai Lama given Scottish classic as 90th birthday present
Daydreams Bookshop in Milngavie presented a copy of Nan Shepherd's classic, The Living Mountain, to the Dalai Lama ahead of his birthday, delivered personally by Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer during a visit to India. Ross Greer, Scottish Greens MSP for the West of Scotland, said: "It was the privilege of a lifetime to meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama ahead of his 90th birthday and to share with him the best wishes of his many friends in Scotland. "I was delighted to present him with a copy of Nan Shepherd's Scottish literary classic, The Living Mountain, from our fantastic local independent bookshop, Daydreams Bookshop. "This book is rightly recognised as the finest ever written about nature here in Scotland. "I know it will resonate with him, given the similarly deep connections that the peoples of Scotland and Tibet have with our natural environments." Elaine Sinclair, owner of Daydreams Bookshop, said: "We were delighted to be able to provide this wonderful Scottish book which has gone on an incredible journey with Ross from our wee bookshop in Milngavie, all the way to the hands of the Dalai Lama in India. "Ross and his staff have welcomed us warmly to Milngavie (with his office just a few doors along from us) and we are very grateful for his ongoing support." Read more: 'We were so impressed': Glasgow communities achieve five-star environmental rating (Image: Supplied) Ross Greer met the Dalai Lama and members of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in his capacity as chair of the Scottish Parliament's Cross Party Group on Tibet. His visit to Dharamsala, home to the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, included meetings with the President, Education Minister, and Speaker of the Parliament. The Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government have lived in exile in India since 1959, following China's occupation of Tibet. He used his 90th birthday to announce that the institution would continue after his death and that only his foundation would have the authority to appoint his successor. Read more: 'It's fantastic to see': Glasgow spaces recognised with Green Flag Awards 202 Ross Greer said: "During my trip, I met with figures including the Tibetan Government's Education Minister and with headteachers of their schools for refugee children. "I am now keen to establish partnerships between our fantastic local schools and their equivalents in the Tibetan exile community. "With America cutting the funding these schools depended on, many are now struggling, but I know that kind-hearted and internationalist people here in Scotland would be willing to offer support."
