Hemant Niroula’s story takes place in the beautiful hills of the Himalayas. He started as a biotechnology student in Bangalore but later chose a different path by opening a restaurant in South Sikkim. His experiences didn’t end there; he also ventured into food processing and herbal cosmetics after training at MITCON Skill Development Institute in Pune. All of this inspired him to write his first book, Reimagining Our Mountains.
Facing Challenges
After his training, Hemant returned to his village, Bermiok, in 2016, eager to start a small business with fellow villagers. However, he soon faced many challenges. The costs of materials were high, transportation was tough, and the roads to his village were not fully complete. These issues made it hard for their small business to grow, and they could only share handmade soaps and salves with family and friends.
Life took a personal turn for Hemant in 2017 and 2018 when he got married and became a father. In 2019, he got involved in the village elections. What began as an exciting opportunity turned into a surprising experience for him. Instead of the uplifting event he expected, he found the tough realities of rural life and how difficult elections can be for local communities. He shares this experience in one of his essays, “The Election Drama,” showing how the idea of elections as a “festival of democracy” can be misleading for those living in poverty.
Writing During Lockdown
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Hemant had more time to reflect on his life and his love for his homeland. He used this time to think about his past and wrote Reimagining Our Mountains, a collection of essays that share his thoughts about Sikkim, Kalimpong, and Darjeeling. Over more than three years, he wrote when he could find quiet moments, often at night. He aimed to create a book that was both short and meaningful—something that could be read in a day.
Key Messages in the Book
In Reimagining Our Mountains, Hemant discusses important themes like community, strength, and the need for sustainable growth. He believes that by working together, we can make a difference in our lives and the environment. One important chapter, “Timezone,” suggests that changing daily schedules to fit the natural daylight of eastern India could greatly help the local community. This change would allow farmers to manage their fields better and give children more time for sports and hobbies, promoting healthier lifestyles.
A Book of Hope
Reimagining Our Mountains is more than just a book; it’s Hemant’s love letter to his homeland. He wants readers to understand the challenges faced by mountain communities and see the hope that exists even in tough times. Hemant’s message is clear: “Even in the face of difficulty, there is always hope and the chance to rebuild our world together.”
For those interested in the future of our mountain areas and how we can help improve them, Hemant Niroula’s book is a must-read. Follow him on Instagram to keep up with his thoughts on these important topics.