Tuesday, 8 September 2026

Himalaya day special

Every year September 9th is observed as Himalaya day and this time we bring you something special.

From top known literary voices to prominent flowing rivers and food culture, we also ping A note on the recent Nepal disaster to understand why we need more voices to protect the Himalayas.

5 notable blind/visually impaired literary voices connected with the Himalaya

Saurabh Pant — Nainital, Uttarakhand
A visually impaired author born in Nainital, Pant has developed a substantial body of literary work while using screen-reader technology. His Himalayan identity is particularly significant because his literary journey began in Uttarakhand and continued through education in Dehradun and Delhi.
Dev Datta Joshi — Far-Western Nepal
Joshi grew up in the remote hills of western Nepal and lost most of his eyesight as a child. He became a lawyer, writer and disability-rights advocate, using articles and writing to campaign for greater opportunities for blind and visually impaired Nepalis.
Nirmala Gyawali — Nepal
A visually impaired Nepali writer/advocate, Gyawali is especially notable for establishing Nepal's first Braille library. Her work combines literacy, access to books and advocacy for people with visual disabilities.
Kunwar Singh Negi — Pauri, Uttarakhand
Negi was a major figure in Braille publishing rather than conventional literary authorship. Born in Pauri, he worked with the National Institute for the Visually Handicapped in Dehradun and reportedly helped transliterate around 300 books into Braille. He received the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.
Sampurna Chattarji — Darjeeling (low-vision rather than blind)
Chattarji grew up in Darjeeling and is an established poet, novelist and translator. She has written about sight and visual impairment, including in Sight May Strike You Blind. A literary source describes her as having severe myopia and a vision impairment, so she belongs in a broader visually impaired/low-vision category rather than a strictly blind-author list.

Top 5 rivers of Himalaya

Here are 5 of the most famous and important rivers associated with the Himalayas:

Ganges River (Ganga) 🇮🇳 — One of South Asia’s most revered rivers, originating from the Himalayan glaciers in Uttarakhand.
Yamuna River 🇮🇳 — Rises from the Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand and is a major tributary of the Ganga.
Indus River 🇨🇳🇮🇳🇵🇰 — Originates in the Tibetan Plateau and flows through Ladakh before continuing into Pakistan.
Brahmaputra River 🇨🇳🇮🇳🇧🇩 — Known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, it enters India through Arunachal Pradesh and becomes the Brahmaputra.
Sutlej River 🇨🇳🇮🇳🇵🇰 — One of the major rivers of the Indus system, rising in Tibet and flowing through Himachal Pradesh.

🏔️ In short

Ganga • Yamuna • Indus • Brahmaputra • Sutlej forms a particularly iconic group when discussing the great rivers of the Himalayan region.

Top 5 food cultures of Himalaya

Here are the top 5 food cultures of the Himalayas - from west to east:

*1. Uttarakhandi / Kumaoni-Garhwali

The most earthy and nutritious. Built for cold & mountains.

- *Staples: Mandua (finger millet), Jhangora (barnyard millet), Bhatt (black soybean)

- *Must-try: Bhatt ki Churkani, Aloo ke Gutke, Chainsoo, Baadi, Gahat ki Dal, Bal Mithai

*2. Himachali / Kangra-Dham Culture

Festive, slow-cooked temple food.

- *Staples: Rajma, Chana, Curd, Rice

- *Must-try: Dham (the feast itself), Siddu (steamed bun with ghee), Babru, Tudkiya Bhath

*3. Kashmiri Culture

specialised and delicate Kashmiri Pandit cuisine

- *Staples: Rice, Saffron, Dry fruits

- *Must-try: Modur Pulao, Dum Aloo, Nadru Yakhni (lotus stem), Haak Saag, Rajma Gogji, Lyodur Tschaman (paneer

*4. Tibetan / Ladakhi Culture

High-altitude, warm and buttery food for extreme cold.

- *Staples: Barley (Tsampa), Yak cheese, Butter tea

- *Must-try: Momos, Thukpa, Thenthuk, Skyu, Butter Tea, Chhurpi

*5. Nepali / Sikkimese / Darjeeling Culture

Tangy, fermented, and very flavorful.

- *Staples: Rice, Fermented greens (Gundruk), Bamboo shoots

- *Must-try: Gundruk, Sel Roti, Dhindo, Kinema curry, Churpi soup, Tongba

Nepal Flash Floods: An environmental reminder

A Himalayan Warning on Himalaya Day

The devastating flash flood that struck Nepal on 26th August 2026 is a stark reminder of Himalayan fragility.

Triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border, the floodwaters of the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers swept through Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and downstream districts, claiming over 1,340 lives, with nearly 5,000 people still missing and affecting 32,000+ people. Homes, bridges, schools and a dozen hydropower projects were destroyed..

As Nepal observed national mourning on the 13th day as per Hindu tradition, PM Balendra Shah linked the disaster to climate change, noting a 1.8°C rise in Himalayan temperatures.

On Himalaya Day, this tragedy underlines that the Himalayas are not just a boundary but a living ecosystem. Unregulated construction, deforestation, and hydropower expansion in eco-sensitive zones amplify such disasters.

Protecting the Himalayas demands:

- *Climate adaptation: Early warning systems for glacial lake outbursts

- *Eco-sensitive development: No-construction zones along floodplains

- *Ecosystem restoration: Afforestation and sustainable tourism

“If we don't protect the Himalayas, the Himalayas cannot protect us”

Happy HImalaya day everyone.

Saturday, 5 September 2026

7 years to Warming fumes

As the work completes 7 years in global presence, let’s pause a moment to celebrate and figure out how far it has grown:

Celebrating 7 Years of Warming Fumes

5 September 2026

Seven years ago, Warming Fumes began its literary journey, bringing together reflections on a world confronting environmental change, human responsibility, and the fragile relationship between society and nature.

As the work completes seven remarkable years, its central message remains deeply relevant: the environmental challenges of our time cannot be treated as distant concerns. They call for awareness, dialogue, and meaningful action. Through its literary voice, Warming Fumes continues to invite readers to look beyond the headlines and consider the consequences of the choices humanity makes today.

This seventh anniversary is not simply a milestone for a book; it is a celebration of the readers, discussions, and reflections that have kept its ideas alive. It represents seven years of words travelling across minds and encouraging greater sensitivity towards our planet.

On this special occasion, heartfelt appreciation goes to everyone who has read, discussed, reviewed, or shared Warming Fumes. May its message continue to reach new readers and inspire a stronger commitment to protecting the environment.

Seven years of words. Seven years of reflection. And a message that continues to matter.

Happy 7th Anniversary to Warming Fumes!

— Celebrating the literary journey of Saurabh Pant

Reviews on Warming Fumes — 7th Anniversary

1. A Timely Environmental Voice
“Warming Fumes remains a thought-provoking literary work that transforms environmental anxiety into a powerful reflection on humanity’s responsibilities. Seven years after its journey began, its concerns feel more relevant than ever.”

2. A Work That Makes the Reader Pause
“What makes Warming Fumes memorable is its ability to turn a global environmental crisis into an intimate literary experience. It encourages readers not merely to observe change, but to think about their own relationship with nature.”

3. Poetry with a Purpose
“Beyond its literary qualities, Warming Fumes carries a clear sense of purpose. Saurabh Pant uses writing as a means of awakening environmental consciousness, giving the work both emotional resonance and social relevance.”

4. Seven Years, Still Relevant
“Some books belong to a particular moment; Warming Fumes continues to speak beyond its original moment. Its seven-year journey demonstrates the enduring power of literature to keep important conversations alive.”

5. A Reminder of Human Responsibility
“Warming Fumes is a reminder that environmental degradation is ultimately a human story. Its strength lies in connecting nature, society, and individual responsibility through an accessible literary voice.”

6. A Distinctive Contribution
“Saurabh Pant’s Warming Fumes stands out for bringing environmental concerns into the literary conversation. Its anniversary provides an opportunity to revisit a work that asks readers to listen more carefully to the changing world around them.”

7. Reader’s Reflection
“Reading Warming Fumes is an invitation to slow down and reflect. Seven years on, its message continues to encourage greater awareness of the planet and the consequences of taking nature for granted.”

8. Anniversary Tribute
“Seven years of Warming Fumes is seven years of an environmental message finding new readers. Its continued relevance is a reminder that meaningful literature can outlive the moment in which it was written.”

Thanks all for helping this work grow, the author hopes to gain more support for Warming Fumes as climate literature gets prominent due to calamities we are about to face, happy reading.

Monday, 31 August 2026

Reschedule for Dale Polgro awards ceremony

Although we all are eager to find our names or get hands on the awards, the process is lengthy and we have to respect the calls of the official jury, so here’s the latest update:

✨ Official update

The Organising Committee of the Dale Polgro Awards 2026 wishes to inform all nominees, participants, literary institutions, and well-wishers that the Award Ceremony, originally scheduled for August 2026, has been rescheduled to October 2026.

This decision has been taken in view of the exceptionally large number of submissions received this year and the remarkable quality of entries that have secured cross-selections across multiple award categories.

The response to the awards has been both overwhelming and inspiring, reflecting the growing diversity and excellence of contemporary literary and creative works.

The additional time will enable the Jury and Selection Committee to conduct a comprehensive and fair evaluation process, ensuring that every shortlisted work receives the careful consideration it deserves. The rescheduling will also facilitate the smooth coordination of multiple category assessments and the finalisation of the award proceedings.

We sincerely appreciate the patience, understanding, and continued support of all participating authors, publishers, and readers from around the world. Your enthusiasm has made the Dale Polgro Awards a truly global celebration of literary excellence.

Further details regarding the revised schedule, venue, and ceremonial proceedings will be announced in due course.

We look forward to welcoming you in October 2026 as we honour outstanding achievements in literature and creative expression.

— Organising Committee
Dale Polgro Awards 2026

We eagerly await the final winner’s list and other related updates in October 2026 now, stay tuned.

Wednesday, 19 August 2026

Main coverage of Global Decade's celebrations

Literary Communities Across Continents United together to Celebrate a Decade of Global Writing (2016–2026)

Starting from Deradun to the Embassy of Russia in India, Kazakhstan in Central Asia to China in East Asia, Japan and the Pacific, Arctic groups or organisations like RNIB, all of them brought together the entire show to bloom, marking a global decade.

Dun book club celebrated Saurabh pant

In a special celebration of literary perseverance and international achievement, members of the Dehradun reading community and book enthusiasts came together to honour author Saurabh Pant as he completed ten years in the global writers' circuit on 12 August 2026.

The occasion marks a decade since the publication of his first international collaborative work, a milestone that launched a literary journey spanning multiple continents and diverse genres. Over the years, Pant has established himself as an independent author whose books have reached readers across Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and Oceania through global publishing platforms and international literary networks.

The event settled for a brief presentation on his books and accolades, a short panel discussion and a brief food refreshment as the entire community celebrated the moment.

Embassy of Russia hosted author talk

Further, to mark the occasion of completing ten years in the international writers’ circuit, a special author talk took place to celebrate his decade-long contribution to literature, environmental awareness, and cross-cultural literary engagement.

The event brought together members of the literary community, readers, academics, cultural enthusiasts, and distinguished guests to reflect upon a journey that has connected books, ideas, and readers across international borders in recent years.

The dialogue also mentioned a catchlight on the author's influence in Russian readers with special reference to long rooted India/Russian relations and how the author has played his role in it.

📢 Kazakhstan Library

The celebration proceeded at a leading literary library in Kazakhstan, where readers and scholars commemorated Saurabh Pant's decade-long international literary journey. The programme did spotlight his contributions to environmental literature, poetry, and independent publishing while encouraging discussions on the growing role of Asian writers in global literary discourse.

🇨🇳 Shanghai Book Club

Members of the Shanghai Book Club also marked the milestone through a special reading session featuring selected works by Saurabh Pant. Discussions primarily centred on his writings concerning environmental sustainability, Asian perspectives, and the power of literature to strengthen cultural understanding across borders.

📚 Royal Serbia

The Royal Serbia literary community also honoured the author's ten-year international journey with a commemorative gathering as they celebrated literary exchange and cross-cultural dialogue.

Being the platform that handed the author his first international award ‘the Borslav medal’, The event hosted by the forum acknowledged the role of independent authors in bringing diverse global perspectives to contemporary readers with the author's influence in the Balkan..

👀 RNIB

The RNIB community also celebrated Saurabh Pant's achievements by recognising his decade of literary contribution and his inspiring journey as a visually impaired author. Being an organisation dedicated to people with sight loss, The programme focused on the importance of accessible literature, inclusive publishing, and the growing opportunities available to writers with disabilities in the international literary landscape.

🌊 Arctic Club, Norway

The Arctic Club in Norway also dedicated a special literary session to Saurabh Pant's environmental writings, reflecting on themes of climate change, conservation, and ecological responsibility. Participants in dialogue explored how literature can contribute to global conversations on protecting fragile ecosystems and promoting sustainable living.

✨ Fuhushu Forum, Japan

The Fuhushu Forum in Japan proudly hosted a commemorative discussion examining Saurabh Pant's multidisciplinary writings, particularly his works on nature, public affairs, and contemporary society. The forum released a symbolic memento celebrating the role of literature in strengthening intellectual exchange between Asian nations with the author's contribution to Quizzing and literature covering the wider gaps.

🌏 Pacific Reading Group

Readers from the Pacific Reading Group also joined the international celebrations with an interactive discussion on Saurabh Pant's literary legacy. The gathering simply reflected upon his decade of global authorship, international readership, and commitment to addressing environmental and social issues through literature, while looking ahead to the next chapter of his writing career.

A Shared Celebration Across Continents

Together, these literary communities represent a shared appreciation for books that encourage dialogue, environmental awareness, and cultural understanding. Their commemorative programmes symbolise the international reach of contemporary literature and the enduring ability of books to connect readers across languages, cultures, and continents.

2016–2026

Celebrating Ten Years of Global Literary Engagement

Saurabh Pant – A Decade of Books, Readers, and International Literary Connections

Saturday, 15 August 2026

Independence day special

It is a joy of utmost pride to be an Indian citizen, to grow in such a diverse culture and 15th August is a day to commemorate it further being a significant landmark.

As we stand to shape the future of 21st century with india gradually becoming more stronger, let’s pause for a moment to collect, celebrate and stand as people of the union called india.

🇮🇳 Independence day’s celebrations

India celebrates Independence Day every year on 15 August to commemorate its independence from British rule in 1947.

Some of the most common ways Indians celebrate include:

Flag hoisting ceremonies:

The Prime Minister hoists the national flag at Red Fort, followed by the national anthem, a speech to the nation, and a ceremonial parade.

School and college celebrations:

Students perform patriotic songs, dances, speeches, skits, and march-pasts while the national flag is unfurled.

Community events:

Housing societies, offices, and local organizations organize flag hoisting, cultural programs, tree-planting drives, and social service activities.

Patriotic decorations:

Homes, markets, and public buildings are decorated with the Indian tricolour, lights, and patriotic themes.

Flying kites:

In many parts of India, especially in northern states, kite flying has become a festive tradition symbolizing freedom.

Honouring freedom fighters:

People remember and pay tribute to the sacrifices of those who fought for India's independence through speeches, exhibitions, and cultural events.

Family celebrations:

Many families watch the live Independence Day ceremony on television, sing patriotic songs, cook delicate food and discuss the nation's history with all the achievements we have got.

The day is also an occasion to reflect on India's progress, celebrate its diversity, and renew a shared commitment to democracy, unity, and nation-building.

🔵 India’s growing power with new missions

India's rise in the 21st century has been marked by achievements across science, diplomacy, technology, defence, healthcare, and economic development.

Here are ten moments that are widely regarded as milestones in India's growing global influence:

Chandrayaan-3 Moon Landing (2023)

India became the first country to successfully land near the Moon's south pole.
It demonstrated India's cost-effective and advanced space capabilities.

Hosting the G20 New Delhi Summit

India welcomed leaders from the world's largest economies.
The summit showcased India's diplomatic leadership and secured the admission of the African Union as a permanent G20 member.

Expansion of the Unified Payments Interface

UPI transformed digital payments in India, handling billions of transactions monthly.
It has become a model for digital public infrastructure internationally.

Commissioning of INS Vikrant (2022)

India's first indigenously built aircraft carrier strengthened its naval capabilities and defence manufacturing.

Mars Orbiter Mission

India became the first nation to reach Mars orbit on its maiden attempt, highlighting its scientific excellence.

COVID-19 Vaccine Production and Global Assistance

India emerged as one of the world's largest vaccine manufacturers and supplied vaccines and medicines to numerous countries through initiatives such as Vaccine Maitri.

Growth of India's Startup Ecosystem

India became one of the world's largest startup hubs, producing hundreds of unicorns and fostering innovation in fintech, AI, health-tech, and e-commerce.

Rapid Expansion of Renewable Energy

India became one of the world's leading producers of solar energy and committed to ambitious clean energy targets, strengthening its role in climate action.

New Parliament Building Inauguration (2023)

The inauguration of India's new Parliament building symbolized institutional modernization and reflected the country's evolving democratic infrastructure.

Global Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Missions

India has increasingly provided rapid humanitarian assistance during earthquakes, conflicts, floods, and evacuations, enhancing its reputation as a reliable regional and global partner.

These milestones collectively reflect India's growing stature as:

A leading space power.
A major digital innovation hub.
An increasingly influential diplomatic voice.
A significant defence manufacturer.
A global healthcare and pharmaceutical contributor.
A rapidly expanding economy and technology ecosystem.
An emerging leader in renewable energy and international humanitarian cooperation.

Together, these developments illustrate how India has strengthened its position as one of the world's most influential nations in the 21st century.

Independence Day Message

by Author Saurabh Pant

On the joyous occasion of India's Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to every fellow citizen.

Our freedom was earned through the courage, sacrifice, and determination of countless freedom fighters whose legacy continues to inspire us. As we celebrate this historic day, let us renew our commitment to building an India that stands for unity, compassion, knowledge, innovation, and respect for every individual.

True patriotism is reflected not only in our words but also in our actions—by protecting our environment, promoting education, embracing diversity, and contributing positively to our communities. Together, we can shape a nation that is prosperous, inclusive, and a source of hope for the world.

May the tricolour always remind us of our shared responsibilities and the limitless potential of our great nation.

Happy Independence Day!

Jai Hind!