What does it means to belong? What are the roots?
For me, belonging to a place means more than just living there. Rather, one must feel connected to the land, the air, and the people. Growing up, I found a connection with nature. It was as if the mountains, trees, rivers, and animals were my companions. To me, "belonging" means becoming part of a place. That is the basis of my life.
How do you realise it?
I felt a deep connection to it. I felt this way when I saw that urbanization was gradually increasing in my village. Where there were once green fields, there are now buildings and roads. The forests, rivers, and animal sounds of my childhood are disappearing. The places where I spent my childhood are now disappearing. All of these changes shook me to my core. I have lost the simplicity and intimacy of my childhood. I have watched it slowly disappear.
Describe your area?
I live in Bagriyal Village (Kuthal Gate) in the Dehradun district. Mornings here begin with cool mountain breezes and birdsong. The evenings dissolve into the redness of the setting sun. This place is beautiful and spiritually vibrant.
What it offers?
This area is special to me and to everyone here. It provides peace, inspiration, and spiritual balance. The soil here has a unique energy. This energy makes people creative and sensitive. My art, my thoughts, and my existence are nourished by this land. are nourished by this land.
Why people are still living there?
People here still live in their villages because they love the simplicity and familiarity of this life. They love the simplicity and familiarity of this life. Here, relationships, traditions, and nature are important. All three teach the art of living together. Although modernity is increasing,
Some people still want to remain connected to the land.
What about young people life?
Today's youth divide their lives between the village and the city. Some young people move to cities for better opportunities. Others are trying to preserve the culture and environment by staying in their villages. Nevertheless, this sentiment remains among the new generation. A connection with one's roots is essential to one's identity.
Why the area is important?
My area is not only naturally beautiful. It is also culturally and emotionally significant. Its people, festivals, and traditions. They teach us that unity, love, and coexistence are the essence of life.
Talk about heritage?
Our village's heritage includes old traditions and folk songs. festivals, and a natural lifestyle. Festivals such as Diwali, Holi, Eid, Bikhoti, and Makar Sankranti are celebrated here. These festivals connect people and symbolize collectivity. The village has mud houses with wooden doors painted with colorful designs, and traditional foods like chutneys are part of our cultural existence.
Why people do not change or interrupt them?
People don't change their traditions because they know this is the root of their identity. These traditions are a way of life. They maintain the balance between nature and humanity. Those who break these traditions lose touch with themselves.
Why you think people must be interested in a topic like this?
In today's world, where the whole globe is racing towards modernity, it is crucial to understand our roots, culture and environment. This topic teaches us that development and culture can coexist. People should take an interest in such topics. They connect us to our existence and identity.
Which effect the territory had on you?
My field of study has had a profound impact on me. The natural beauty of this place has taught me that beauty lies in simplicity. The mountains have given me patience. The rivers have taught me to embrace life's flow. The depth, sensitivity and energy of my art are gifts from this land. It is all a gift from this soil.
This is where I learned the true meaning of life: Peace, love and respect for nature.
