"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#Madhya

Wanderlust

Discover Madhya Pradesh: 7 Thrill-Packed Adventures in the Heart of India!

The jewel of India, Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for its magnificent architecture and rich cultural legacy, but it's also a haven for thrill-seekers. This state provides a wide range of activities for individuals looking for an adrenaline rush because of its varied landscapes, which include meandering rivers, rocky mountains, and dense woods. These are the top 7 locations in Madhya Pradesh that guarantee an amazing adventure. Jabalpur ~ (Source: Google Images) Narmada White Water Rafting: Water sports enthusiasts should definitely visit Jabalpur. The roaring Narmada River provides a thrilling environment for white water rafting. Both novices and expert rafters will love the electrifying rapids. This exhilarating activity has a breathtaking backdrop provided by the marble rocks that line the river. Pachmarhi ~ (Source: Google Images) Hiking among the Peaks of Satpura: Known as the "Queen of Satpura," Pachmarhi has some of Madhya Pradesh's most beautiful trekking routes. As you stroll through this tranquil hill station, take in the untamed landscape, abundant vegetation, and gushing waterfalls. Trekking in Pachmarhi is a great opportunity to put your endurance to the test and establish a connection with nature. Adventure on a Jungle Safari in Bandhavgarh National Park ~ (Source: Google Images) In Bandhavgarh National Park, wildlife lovers can go on an exhilarating jungle safari. This park, which is well-known for having a large concentration of tigers, provides an opportunity to see these magnificent animals in their native environment. It's a varied adventure spot with additional animals like unusual birds, deer, and leopards. Bhedaghat ~(Source: Google Images) Water Sports & Scuba Diving: An amazing location for boating and cliff diving, the magnificent cliffs of Bhedaghat rise out of the waters of the Narmada River. Admire the towering marble cliffs, glide down the peaceful river, and jump off one of the many precipices into the refreshing waters below if you're daring enough. Khajuraho ~ (Source: Google Images) Rappelling and Rock Climbing: In addition to its well-known temples, Khajuraho is a well-liked location for rock climbing and rappelling. Climbers may put their talents to the test in a demanding setting thanks to the rough terrain. This location provides an exceptional blend of adventure and cultural tourism with its historic sandstone formations. Paragliding over the Malwa Plateau in Indore ~ (Source: Google Images) Experience the exhilaration of paragliding above the Malwa Plateau in Indore. There's no sensation of freedom quite like taking off over undulating terrain. If you wish to see Madhya Pradesh from a fresh angle, paragliding in Indore is a must-do activity that is suitable for both novices and experienced.The huge territory of Madhya Pradesh provides adventure seekers with a wide range of exciting and enlightening activities. Every thrill-seeker may find something to enjoy in the state, whether it's riding through lush forests, flying through the skies, or navigating white-water rapids. So gather your belongings and set out for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Madhya Pradesh! 

23 Aug 2024
Wanderlust

Step Back in Time: Experience the Rich History and Beauty of This Place in Central India

Mandu, a small town in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is quickly gaining popularity as a tourist destination thanks to its rich history and stunning architecture. Known as the "City of Joy" in medieval times, Mandu is home to some of India's most beautiful and well-preserved historical sites. Located in the scenic Vindhya mountain range, Mandu is home to several ancient monuments, including the Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Jami Masjid, and the famous Rani Roopmati Pavilion. These structures, built during the reign of the Mughals and the Sultanate of Malwa, are prime examples of the region's rich architectural heritage and offer a glimpse into the town's glorious past. In recent years, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has been working to promote Mandu as a must-visit destination for both domestic and international tourists. The town's rich history, coupled with its stunning natural beauty, has made it a popular choice for those looking to explore India's cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the town's many historical sites, take a stroll through its beautiful gardens, or simply relax and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The local cuisine, which features a mix of Mughal and Malwa influences, is also a major draw for foodies looking to sample authentic local dishes. Despite its growing popularity, Mandu remains relatively undiscovered by mainstream tourism, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the crowds and experience a more authentic side of India.

5 Apr 2023
Wanderlust

Good News

Innovation on Wheels: Jabalpur's Unique Bus Revival Project

In a remarkable initiative, the city buses in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, have found a new purpose beyond their lifespan as they are transformed into river-side changing rooms for women. Under the visionary project called 'kabaad se kamaal' (waste to wonder), these buses are now serving the day-to-day needs of ordinary citizens in the city. Led by Swapnil Wankhade, the municipal commissioner of Jabalpur, the project aims to repurpose discarded buses and cater to various civic needs. Besides serving as changing rooms, the buses have also been converted into night shelters for the homeless and libraries for slum children. The project has gained widespread recognition, not only among the residents of Jabalpur but also internationally. It was applauded at a global contest of cities held in London by the Bernard van Leer Foundation, an organization working for the welfare of infants, toddlers, and young children. The decision to transform city buses into changing rooms was prompted by the urgent requirement for safe and protected spaces for women on the bustling Narmada riverfront. With permanent construction prohibited by the Supreme Court, repurposing buses provided an innovative solution. The success of this initiative has paved the way for further plans, including converting additional scrapped buses into mobile police chowkis to enhance women's safety and establishing a 'wonder house' for children at the Dumna Nature Reserve.

26 Sep 2023
Good News

Bhopal's Green Revolution: 37 Acres of Wasteland Transformed into Flourishing Paradise

Bhopal has achieved a remarkable milestone in environmental reclamation efforts by successfully clearing and reclaiming 37 acres of wasteland that was once a massive dumpsite. The area had accumulated over 7.5 Lakh Tonnes of legacy waste over a span of 30 years, posing a significant threat to the local ecosystem and public health. In 2018, Bhopal Municipal Corporation faced a monumental challenge: the Bhanpur Khanti dumpsite. They opted for a public-private partnership, enlisting Saurashtra Enviro Projects Pvt Ltd, experts in municipal solid waste processing, to lead the way. Their innovative approach combined bio-mining and bio-capping to restore the 37-acre site. They recovered 21 acres through biomining, extracting 180,000 tonnes of waste. The remaining 16 acres were strategically capped with a high-density polythene liner and a waste structure to seal and protect the area. Crucially, they addressed leachate and gas treatment during this process. After three years of dedicated effort, Bhanpur Khanti has been transformed. Now, the BMC plans to repurpose this reclaimed land, turning an environmental challenge into a commercial opportunity. According to government data, India currently faces the challenge of over 3,000 dumpsites that require reclamation or permanent closure. Bhopal's impressive achievement provides a model for effective waste management and remediation. The reclamation project in Bhopal serves as an inspiration for other cities grappling with similar waste management issues. The success can be attributed to concerted efforts and innovative strategies implemented by local authorities. The project involved systematic clearing of the dumpsite, followed by extensive waste management practices and remediation measures. Environmental experts and local officials collaborated to devise a comprehensive plan, which included the implementation of sustainable waste disposal systems, adoption of recycling and waste segregation practices, and the promotion of public awareness campaigns on waste management. The reclamation of the 37-acre wasteland not only brings about a positive transformation in the local environment but also holds immense potential for future development. The restored land can now be utilized for various purposes such as parks, recreational areas, or even for sustainable urban planning.

21 Sep 2023
Good News

The Railway Station That Sits Between Two States!

Bhawani Mandi, renowned as "The Orange City of Rajasthan" for its thriving orange market, has recently captured attention for its extraordinary railway station. India, known for its extensive railway network, has stations that are celebrated for their beauty and distinctive characteristics. Bhawani Mandi Railway Station stands out from the rest as it straddles the border between two states. Situated in Rajasthan's Jhalwar district and Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur district, Bhawani Mandi Railway Station finds itself in a fascinating position. The engine of a train may be in one state, while the guard coach rests in the other, symbolizing the station's unique cross-state connection. Passengers are greeted by a captivating sight upon arrival—a platform sign that proudly displays "Rajasthan" on one side and "Madhya Pradesh" on the other, marking the interstate boundary. According to Ananth Rupanagudi, a member of the Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS), the MP-Rajasthan boundary cuts through the station, running between the booking windows and the platforms. This means that travelers must acquire tickets in Madhya Pradesh and board the train from Rajasthan. Notably, Bhawani Mandi Railway Station lies on the prominent Delhi-Mumbai rail route and serves important trains such as the Rajdhani Express and the Mumbai-Jaipur Superfast Express. Beyond its distinctive railway station, Bhawani Mandi is a captivating tourist destination. The town boasts historical and cultural significance, with the magnificent Chambal River adding to its charm.  There is another station in India -  Navapur Railway Station, that embraces its dual-state identity. It is located between the Tapi district of Gujarat and the Nandurbar district of Maharashtra. Bhawani Mandi Railway Station reflects the unity and diversity of India's railway network, where borders intertwine, seamlessly connecting regions and welcoming passengers from different states on a shared journey.

15 May 2023
Good News

Madhya Pradesh's Timeless Art Form, Gond Painting, Awarded Geographical Indication (GI)Tag

It's a moment of pride for the artists of Dindori district as their famed Gond paintings have received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This ancient and exquisite art form, native to Madhya Pradesh, has captivated the world with its vibrant colors, intricate designs, and compelling stories. With the GI tag, Gond painting is now recognized as a product of unique origin and exceptional quality, increasing its commercial value and giving a boost to the local economy.  A geographical Indication (GI) tag is a sign applied to goods with a particular geographic origin and having certain qualities that are attributed to that origin. Bhajju Shyam, a renowned Gond artist and recipient of the Padma Shri award, expressed his pride in the recognition of the art form. He said, "With this, the people of tribal and Gond dominant communities will now get direct benefit." Gond paintings depict nature, trees, plants, animals, celestial bodies, rivers, and gods and goddesses, along with stories of historical events and everyday life. Each painting tells a unique story and is a masterpiece in itself. The main source of Gond painting is the Dindori district, where it has been prevalent for generations. The GI tag affirms that the art form originated from this district, and only registered authorized users can use its name. The district administration is planning to promote Gond paintings through a range of products such as greeting cards, mobile covers, and bag covers to cater to the market's demand. The collector of Dindori district, Vikas Mishra, emphasized that Gond painting is not just a medium of employment but also an identity and a symbol for the region. The district administration plans to promote the art form by making Amarkantak the center of attraction and roping in big hotels in Jabalpur. The Patangarh village in Dindori district has a Gond artist in every house and they have been practicing the art for generations. The recognition of Gond paintings with the GI tag will further enhance their popularity and create opportunities for the artists to showcase their talent globally.

19 Apr 2023
Good News

India’s First ‘Time Bank’ to Come Up in Madhya Pradesh

Time Banks are gradually gaining popularity around the world. It involves the exchange of work hours for any service required without money changing hands. The time bank allows an individual to offer voluntary services in return for credit hours, a record of which will be kept in the time bank. When this individual needs any service, he can get repaid by another volunteer on the basis of the credit hours he had earned earlier. Encourages Community Ties Time Banks help individuals to help one another in exchange for hourly time credits. One can opt for any form of voluntary service like teaching underprivileged children or looking after elderly persons and get paid in kind for the credit hours earned. People willing to help and those in need of help are brought on a single platform through time banks. A person need not help the same person who had helped him but can assist anyone in need in the bank’s network. Community Level Banks According to The Hindu, the Madhya Pradesh government’s happiness department planned to set up a time bank that would lend currency to an hour which could then be exchanged for services. Around 50,000 volunteers who have already registered with the department through local networks will form community-level banks and list the skills and services they could impart. Time banks need to be propagated as it encourages people to volunteer and builds strong social ties and community trust. While it rewards all work including unpaid and care work, people with low incomes can get access to services which they otherwise may not be able to afford.  

7 Nov 2019
Good News

Know Why School Children of Dindori Are So Excited to Go to School Every Day

School children in Dindori, a tribal-dominated district in Madhya Pradesh have a reason to go to school every day. Their school building is built in the shape of a train which is the source of excitement among the students. The place being underdeveloped, lacks rail connectivity and that explains the reason why children are so eager to go to their school which is in the form of a train. The Unique School Building The government school has been built keeping in mind the attraction of a train among the children. The building is shaped like a train and has been painted with the colors of an actual train, that is in shades of blue and yellow. The entrance to the rooms as well as the windows is exactly like that of a train compartment. If that was not enough, the front part of the school is completely built like a train engine. Enthusiastic School Children Children who earlier didn’t like going to school have been attending their classes regularly now, thanks to the train makeover. The school situated in Khajri has an interesting name- “Education Express MS Khajri”. It also houses a mid-day dining hall which is termed as ‘Annapurna Room’. According to the school headmistress, Santosh Uikey the children seem to be much happier to find their classrooms in the form of train bogies and parents are also very curious about the school building. The teachers also contributed a part of their salaries towards the school building which has now become the talk of the town and a source of elation among the villagers. Image Source: Kalinga TV

11 Oct 2019
Good News

Madhya Pradesh accepted the January-December fiscal year, becoming first state to implement the change

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal of shifting the fiscal year to January-December has been accepted by Madhya Pradesh which makes it the first state of India to implement the change by releasing its next annual budget in December this year. Mr. Narendra Modi has put forth this idea in the third council meeting of NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog with the view of resolving certain economic issues. He justified his idea with many valid reasons that would benefit our economy and flourish it. As the January-December period is in well accordance with our climatic cycle and harvesting seasons, it will benefit our farmers as well as our exports. Also the problems faced by government in collection of important statistical data pertaining to the monsoons and agricultural income will be resolved. Many countries follow the January-December fiscal year and this will help us develop better deals with them. Also in the past many of the government schemes and initiatives couldn’t be delivered to its fullest due to the improper time management. The shift will look after such problems. Many foreign businesses taking place in India would feel the shift convenient for them. Though there will be loads of changes in taxation laws for the change to implement, but the economic benefits incurring by this shift is very significant.   

2 May 2017
Good News

Madhya Pradesh to float 'Happiness Index' in 2018

Madhya Pradesh is all set to float a 'Happiness Index' in 2018 based on a questionnaire which will help the government to know the happiness quotient among the people. It will be the first state in the country to set up a Happiness Department. The Happiness Index was slated to be announced in 2017, but on International Day of Happiness, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made a fresh announcement on his Twitter handle saying that the happiness Index is being prepared and will be published in 2018. He said that feedback from the happiness index survey will be incorporated into government policies and public expenditure priorities. He said that the government is training volunteers to improve the happiness quotient of the people by spreading virtues of goodness, altruism, forgiveness and peace. It will also try to encourage people to keep a positive mindset by giving them lessons in  yoga, moral science , meditation etc. Manohar Dubey, chief executive officer of Rajya Anand Sansthan (State Happiness Department)  said that this will be a first such exercise by any state in India. He said that a form will be prepared to frame the  comprehensive happiness index with the help of some institutions and experts.  

21 Mar 2017
Good News

Star Citizens

Grassroots Heroes: Local Villagers Spearhead Forest Conservation Effort in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh

  In a remarkable display of environmental consciousness, local villagers in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park (KNP) have taken up the cause of preserving their forests. KNP, known as the first home to African cheetahs in India, has become the center of a movement to curb rampant tree cutting.   Even before the arrival of the cheetahs, two Gurjar caste-dominated villages, Kankar and Chitara, located in the park's buffer zone, initiated efforts to safeguard the KNP forests. The villages adopted a resolution to ban the entry of axes into the forest, imposing a hefty penalty of Rs 11,000 on violators. As a result, incidents of tree felling have significantly decreased, ensuring a healthy habitat for the park's wildlife, including leopards and African cheetahs.   The success of this conservation initiative can be attributed to the round-the-clock vigilance of the Cheetah Mitras, volunteers tasked with protecting the cheetahs. Their dedication has led to the capture and legal action against individuals from other villages involved in illegal tree felling.   To address the potential shortage of green fodder for their cattle due to the ban on tree cutting, the villages have taken up extensive cultivation of green fodder plants and grass within their own boundaries. This move has allowed the park's herbivore prey base, crucial for cheetahs, to solely benefit from the natural green resources within KNP.   The positive outcomes of this collaborative effort have inspired neighboring villages to follow suit and launch similar initiatives in association with KNP management. The 'No-Axe-in-Forests' initiative, pioneered by Chitara and Kankar villages, has proven to be a resounding success, demonstrating the potential for grassroots movements to protect and preserve our natural ecosystems.  

3 Sep 2023
Star Citizens

Archives