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Hindustan Times
20 minutes ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Presidential Estate in Uttarakhand transformed from exclusive retreat to 172-acre public space
Dehradun, Nestled in the Doon Valley, the 172-acre Presidential Estate here has undergone a transformation—from an exclusive retreat to a vibrant public space that celebrates biodiversity, heritage, and sustainability, a Rashtrapati Bhavan official said on Friday. Presidential Estate in Uttarakhand transformed from exclusive retreat to 172-acre public space On the day of her 67th birthday, Murmu on Friday opened the Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan for the public. She also inaugurated public amenities, including the visitor facilitation centre, the cafeteria, and the souvenir shop, and laid the foundation stone for Rashtrapati Udyan. The Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan will be open for public viewing from June 24 and July 1, 2025 respectively. Established in 1838 as a camp for the Governor General's Bodyguard, the estate later served as a secluded retreat for India's presidents. For decades, its serene orchards, colonial stables, and forested paths remained out of reach for ordinary citizens, visited only by those in the highest offices of the state, said Navika Gupta, Deputy Press Secretary to the President. "Today, that exclusivity has been replaced by inclusion. With the creation of Rashtrapati Niketan, Rashtrapati Tapovan, and Rashtrapati Udyan, the estate has been reimagined as a national asset, an open, living space that connects people to the story of the Presidency, the richness of Indian biodiversity, and the promise of a sustainable future," she said. Spread across 21 acres, Rashtrapati Niketan blends heritage with natural beauty. Its mango and litchi orchards still flourish, and the space has been enhanced with a 200-seat amphitheatre and modern visitor amenities that offer opportunities for cultural engagement and reflection. Presidents who once walked these paths are remembered through guided tours that invite visitors to trace the footsteps of visionaries whose decisions shaped the nation, Gupta said. The corridors now feature a curated display of archival photographs from the Presidential archives, offering glimpses into key moments of India's journey and the evolving role of the Presidency. These evocative images turn the heritage walk into a meaningful encounter with India's constitutional legacy, she said. The interiors of the Presidential rooms have been enriched with the artistic heritage of Uttarakhand, featuring Pahari miniatures, Aipan designs, and a variety of local crafts that reflect the region's rich cultural traditions, Gupta said. Adjacent to Niketan lies Tapovan, a serene forest zone developed in collaboration with the Uttarakhand forest department. Inspired by India's ancient tradition of learning amidst nature, Tapovan features silent zones, forest trails, meditation huts, and shaded pergolas for quiet contemplation. "Biodiversity conservation is central to the experience. Visitors can take part in expert-led walks to learn about native medicinal plants, the intricate roles of forest ecosystems, and the traditional ecological knowledge of local communities. It's a space where awareness grows naturally, rooted in experience rather than instruction," she said. Spanning 132 acres, Rashtrapati Udyan is a visionary model of sustainable public space, net-zero park. "Developed through public consultation and accessible to all, the plan of the park includes walking and cycling tracks, butterfly domes, an 800-seat amphitheatre, an aviary, and boating zones. The park aims to serve not only as a green lung for Dehradun but also as a national symbol of environmental responsibility," Gupta said. Across all three zones, biodiversity revival and protection form the backbone of the estate's mission. "Native trees have been replanted in previously degraded areas, grasslands left untouched to encourage pollinators, and wetlands restored to support amphibians, birds, and aquatic life," she explained. Interpretive boards throughout the estate help visitors understand these efforts, explaining how the estate's unique microclimate supports the Doon Valley's watershed, why preserving native bee species is essential for agriculture, and how small-scale ecological interventions can create long-lasting environmental impacts, Gupta said. "Whether it's a school group tracing the life of a President, a nature enthusiast exploring local flora, or a family enjoying open green spaces, the estate offers a layered and immersive experience. Here, heritage and ecology coalesce, creating a space that is intellectually enriching, emotionally grounding, and environmentally responsible," she added. Gupta says the estate stands as a living symbol of sustainability, legacy, and democracy, inviting every citizen to walk its paths, learn from its trees, and become part of a greener, more inclusive India. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Delhi govt considers studying Dharavi model for slum redevelopment
New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Friday said Delhi govt is considering studying Mumbai's Dharavi model for slum redevelopment in the national capital. Gupta also claimed that some people were spreading misinformation regarding the demolition of slum clusters in Delhi. "If you construct a house near a railway line, the chief minister will not save you. I urge people to think about safety and security. If a railway accident happens or someone dies on railway tracks, who will be responsible?" she said. Gupta said that demolishing houses was not her govt's aim. "But it should not happen that we keep on giving homes and people do not vacate slums," she added. The CM said her govt is likely to study the Dharavi model for the redevelopment of 675 slum clusters in Delhi. When asked about the anti-corruption branch's summons to former Delhi minister Manish Sisodia in the classroom construction case, she said: "Everyone will have to face the music. Arvind Kejriwal will also have to return from Punjab. We do not want fugitive leaders." Sisodia appeared before the ACB for questioning on Friday. Gupta on Friday inspected and inaugurated various ongoing development projects across the Shalimar Bagh constituency — from Kasturba Polytechnic in Pitampura to near Rain Basera in Ambedkar Nagar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What is your writing missing? Grammarly Install Now Undo During the visit, she reviewed progress reports from departments and inspected the available facilities at the construction sites. She directed all officials to complete the work within the stipulated deadlines and with high-quality standards. The chief minister said that the objective of her govt was not just to carry out construction work but to improve the lives of citizens through every initiative. She said that the ongoing development projects were strong steps towards realising the vision of a "Viksit Dilli". The chief minister said that drainage, sewer, road and green infrastructure work are under way in various parts of the constituency, including Haiderpur, Ambedkar Colony and Shalimar village. Notably, these include the construction of central verge crash barriers from Prembari Bridge to Kasturba Polytechnic, Pitampura, as well as the construction of boundary walls from Singhpur Canal to Ring Road, at the vacant land adjacent to Kasturba Polytechnic, and near Singalpur village. These border infrastructure projects have a combined estimated cost of Rs 30 lakh. The boundary wall from Shalimar Chowk to near Fortis Hospital in BB Block is being raised at a cost of Rs 12 lakh. A new pump room is also being constructed near the Max Hospital Road at an estimated cost of Rs 25.5 lakh.
Time Business News
2 hours ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Transforming Education in India for a $30 Trillion Economy
India aims to become a $30 trillion economy by 2047 through the Viksit Bharat initiative. As part of this national vision, leaders across sectors are voicing their perspectives. According to Ajay Gupta, Founder of Bachpan Play Schools and Academic Heights Public Schools, India must position its education system as a global benchmark by 2047. A Vision Beyond Borders The Urgency to Rethink India's Education System Leading edupreneur Ajay Gupta, in his Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, called for a rethinking of India's school education system. He asserted, 'To become a global powerhouse, India must not only adopt global standards but also set more of them for others to adopt.' While efforts have long aimed at imparting world-class education, Mr. Gupta emphasizes that we should aim so high that the term 'world-class education' naturally comes to be associated with India's education system on the world stage. What Is Vision 2047? The year 2047 will mark India's 100th Year of Independence. 'Viksit Bharat @2047', as it is officially named, is a national mission to make India a developed country through collective action at individual, sectoral, and national levels. The Viksit Bharat @2047 vision is also quite significant globally. It shapes the future of the country through inclusive economic growth, good governance, youth empowerment, social development, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Viksit Bharat @2047 vision focuses on global competence, inclusion, and innovation via skill development and tech-driven initiatives. Education is central, with the youth as both drivers and primary beneficiaries of change. Key Pillars of Gupta's Vision for Indian Education Educational leader Ajay Gupta also co-founded Rishihood University as India's first university focused on social impact. Creating an enduring impact from PG (Play Group) to PG (Post Graduate), he envisions India as a global role model in education and innovation. Ajay Gupta advocates bridging local values with global standards. His institutions, which consist of 1200+ Bachpan Play Schools, 120+ Academic Heights Public Schools (AHPS), and Rishihood University, work towards cultivating a deep appreciation for Indian values rooted in Panchakosha Shiksha, while preparing students for the future. Ajay Gupta's vision for Indian education is shaped by his role as an educationist and a proud Indian. As India's value-driven models like mindfulness gain global traction, he urges the country to change from a consumer to a major contributor on the world stage in 2047. Transforming the Indian Education Landscape India's education landscape needs an overhaul to attain the national vision of becoming a developed country. From preschool to higher education, a shift towards skill-based and value-based learning is now becoming increasingly imperative. Technology, curriculum, and infrastructure play a crucial role in shaping education. With AI rapidly integrating into daily life and work, the education system has to evolve at the same pace to stay relevant and future-ready. Empowering educators and school leaders is also vital to transforming the education system. Technology can become a powerful enabler in the hands of educators and school leaders under the right circumstances. Ajay Gupta's Vision 2047 and legacy in the Viksit Bharat context cannot be sidelined. Consistent effort and multi-sectoral collaboration towards education that inspires the world remain key points. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
NDTV
3 hours ago
- NDTV
"When Indians Weren't...": Shark Tank's Aman Gupta On 2000s Goa Parties
New Delhi: Aman Gupta, the co-founder of boAt Lifestyle, took listeners back to a very different Goa during a conversation on The Prakhar Gupta Xperience podcast. It was a time when Indian partygoers were rare and the underground rave culture was dominated almost entirely by foreign tourists. Mr Gupta, also a Shark Tank India judge, spoke about his early party escapades in Goa, long before it became a mainstream destination for domestic travellers. One of his most vivid memories is of the secret forest parties, where finding the venue was an adventure in itself. Recounting his early 2000s party adventures, Mr Gupta said he and his friends often found themselves to be the only Indians among crowds of international revellers. 'These parties, they were such parties that we didn't know the venue. We would take our scooter and ask our foreigner friends, ' Aaj party kahan hai (where's the party today)?'' he recalled. Watch the podcast here: One of the more iconic venues from that time, he said, was the Bamboo Forest, a hidden gem that hosted wild parties frequented by foreigners. 'That time, when we used to go to Goa, there were no Indians. We were the only Indians there (at forest parties),' Mr Gupta noted. He also reflected on the social dynamics of Goa's popular tourist areas like Anjuna Beach, known for its Israeli backpacker crowd. Indians, he said, were often given a cold shoulder by the local hospitality industry. 'I remember a time we used to go to this place called Anjuna Beach. Back then, only Israelis would get accommodation there. That's how it was. Indians hardly got space to stay because the place was full of Israelis. They were a tight-knit group, and honestly, they didn't make Indians feel very welcome,' he said. Looking at the present, Mr Gupta observed a shift in Goa's tourism dynamic. Once dominated by foreign visitors, Goa is now very much a destination for Indian travellers, who are not only more accepted but also economically influential. Despite the shifts in crowd and culture over the years, Mr Gupta's love for Goa has remained constant. "I've always loved Goa. Even now, when people say they don't enjoy it anymore, I still do. In fact, I feel like now that the crowd has thinned a bit, the real Goa vibe is back. There was a time when it got too crowded, but I've loved Goa since childhood," Mr Gupta said. We used to go there even before Dil Chahta Hai made it popular, he said. "I don't know how the Dil Chahta Hai folks picked up a story that was pretty much our own and put it into their film, it really felt like our story".
Mint
5 hours ago
- Mint
Shark Tank's Aman Gupta recalls time when ‘Indians weren't respected in Goa': ‘Only Israelis were…'
BoAt co-founder, and Shark Tank India judge Aman Gupta opened up about the changing party culture in Goa, recalling how the scene was very different in the early 2000s. Speaking on The Prakhar Gupta Xperience podcast, the 43-year-old entrepreneur shared his memories of partying in the forests of Goa with friends and foreign tourists. Gupta said that back then, Indian tourists were not as welcome in certain parts of the state. 'At Anjuna beach, only Israelis were given a place. I remember, this was a Goa where Indians did not get a place to stay as Israelis used to lead that place. All these Goan people actually did not respect Indians that much,' he recalled. The boAt co-founder also spoke about the exclusive nature of the forest parties at the time. 'These parties, they were such parties that we didn't know the venue. We would take our scooter and ask our foreigner friends, 'Aaj party kahan hai?'' he said, adding, 'In 2000, Bamboo Forest was very popular in Goa.' Gupta noted that during those times, he and his group were often the only Indians at such gatherings. 'This time, when we used to go to Goa, there were no Indians. We were the only Indians there at Bamboo forest parties],' he said.
