The Dehradun Project

Rajpur Nature Festival | October 2018

Rajpur Nature Festival | October 2018

Make a street child's life warm.

Warm clothes in the winter, keep children warm. Is'nt it obvious? Well, not to every child. Unfortunately, for the kids on the street, it's still cold! Thousands of children fight the cold every day when we have spares lying around in our almirahs. Time for us to open our heart and donate warm clothes to children... Kabeera is coming to your colony to take these clothes and make sure that they reach children in Dehradun. Be warm this winter, and not just for yourself. Write to her at [email protected] , and she will personally come and collect clothes from your colony and make sure it reaches 'Aasraa Trust' and many children that need these clothes. They will be grateful and you would feel good too. Write to her now!

An athlete, a sports woman, Dehradun - Waali Pulkit

What makes someone a #hero is the ability to be #brave against all odds. Odds including lack of money and resources. Pulkit Baliyan is our hero. She can't hear what we can, or speak the way we do, but her actions communicate everything. An #athlete, a #sports woman, and above all a never say die #Dehradun - Waali #Pulkit, #TheDehradunProject #Salutes you. If you'd like to be of #help to Pulkit, please feel free to call her father Anand Chowdhary at +91-97208-56897 It would mean a lot to the family.

‘Making a Difference by Being the Difference (MAD)’

There are so many social and environmental issues which are prevailing in the society. In today’s fast moving world, we hardly get time to pay attention to any social or environmental issue. Being an ideal citizen, what is our duty towards the society? Do we take out time to think about the solutions and serve the society? Putting an end to these questions, a youth organisation from Dehradun called ‘Making a Difference by Being the Difference (MAD)’ has started working towards the betterment of the society. Especially for the protection of the environment in Dehradun valley. Over the years, MAD has emerged as an active pressure group, working to achieve its numerous objectives by organizing activities like Cleanliness and Awareness Drives, Wall Transformation Drives, Plantation Drives, Clothes Distribution Drives and through its campaigns like MADATHON- an annual run to revive the dying streams of Dehradun, Pack- Up Polythene, Safai Yatra, etc. The group is also engaged in policy work through filing RTIs to seek information about the issues that matter. Not to forget they have helped the victims during the floods in Kedarnath in 2013, the earthquake in Srinagar as well as in Nepal. In total, they have done over 500 activities, and have balanced on- ground activism with effective research on the revival of the dying streams of the Doon valley. They are indeed ‘Making a Difference by Being the Difference.’ More power to you!

‘A Sweater for Sonu’ | Fundraising Campaign | Aasraa Trust

Aasraa Trust was established with a vision to provide education and social advancement to street and slum children. In the 6 years of running the Street Smart program, it has been able to successfully mainstream 327 children who are now attending regular schools across Dehradun. However, it becomes critical to provide these mainstreamed children the basic necessities especially to survive the harsh winters of Dehradun. ‘A Sweater for Sonu’ is a fundraising campaign by Aasraa Trust. An effort towards providing these children with proper winter uniforms so that they dress smartly, feel confident and can go to their schools with DIGNITY.

Indian School of Talent

Research says, once you know your talent, it takes about 10 years of sustained learning to excel in a particular field. So if you want a child to develop a talent, why not expose them to talent identification path at any early age? Why not let them grow in an environment where they can learn and unleash their hidden flairs? That’s what forms the very foundation of Indian School of Talent. A one-of-a-kind school in Dehradun that stresses on the fact that academics is not enough. A child should also be encouraged to pursue their interest in performing arts and sports, so that they can hone their skills and fulfill their dreams of making a career in such fields. And for this, ISOT acts as the pathfinder. They explore. They identify. They nurture. #TheDehradunProject #UK07Films

The Mushroom Lady | Talent of Doon

Uttarakhand has been battling with its socio-economic issue of migration for a long time. People from hilly areas are abandoning villages in search of better opportunities elsewhere. Which is why an increase in the number of ghost villages can be seen in the state with each passing year. In the wake of this crisis, a girl from Uttarakhand is using mushroom farming as a tool to tackle the problem of migration. Divya Rawat, also known as The Mushroom Lady, has been teaching mushroom cultivation to the people of rural areas. And since mushroom is a cash crop and can be grown all year round, its cultivation can very well serve as a means of livelihood for farmers and hence can be one of the solutions to this exodus. #TalentOfDoon #TheDehradunProject #UK07Films

Dehradun Drum Circle | Talent of Doon

Self-expression is the way of life. It is only through self-expression that one can accept oneself. And only when you accept can you have the power to be more liberal, to be more open and to grow and learn from somebody else. In today’s world, where discrimination based on caste, creed and gender is taking another level, there’s a community in Dehradun that has been breaking norms and celebrating the diversity of people around us. The idea that forms the foundation of Dehradun Drum Circle is to promote ‘Happy Humanism’. It’s an event that encourages self-expression and helps you to connect with yourself and with others through music. There is dancing, singing, listening and drumming. Come and join them and let go of your inhibitions. After all, it’s all about expressing yourself! #DehradunDrumCircle #TalentofDoon #TheDehradunProject #UK07Films #DehradunCity

Bijendra Singh | Heroes of Dehradun

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”, and Bijendra Singh has surely recognized this. Every day when people are in a rush to leave for home after work, he waits for the day to set in so that he can spare his time to educate poor kids. An ex-army man and now a security guard at Allahabad Bank ATM in Majra, his mission is to break the cycle of poverty around us and he has been doing his bit by educating children of the nearby slum. We salute him for being an inspiration, for rising above the vicious circle of life and bringing about a ray of light in the lives of such children. #HeroesOfDoon #TheDehradunProject #UK07Films

Tibetan Market | The Dehradun Project

Flaunting trendy apparels and accessories, Tibetan Market is a lane of shops that sees people thronging it frequently. Popular as a shopping destination, the market is being run by Tibetans for years. While shopping is what people come here for, watching them binge at nearby Tibetan restaurants is, nevertheless, a common sight. Apart from that, there's a small Buddhist Temple in the midst of the market which is believed to bring luck and prosperity.

TeachGirls | Heroes of Doon

Mangal Basti. Slums of Dehradun. Here reside the dreams and aspirations of thousands of girls and children who want to make something better of their lives and are willing to go to any extent to break the stereotypes they have seen their mothers and elder sisters live. They want to make an identity for themselves and live as independent women. All thanks to Uplabdhi 'Misha' Chandola & Tyler 'Juno' Scott co-founders of TeachGirls. This organisation recognized and supported the potential of the women and kids enrolled here and is not only providing them with all ground preparations for a perfect take off into the future , but is also empowering them to be what they want. How does TeachGirls do it? What is the story behind these smiling faces? What does TeachGirls do? Watch this video. #Educate and #Empower #TeachGirls #TheDehradunProject

Ujjwal 'Achin' Negi | Talent of Doon

Graffiti was used by tribals and communities in ancient times to express their disregard, non-acceptance or anger against something. It was widely known as the art for the rebels later on. What a beautiful way to express anger! If people could take their negativity and turn it into something beautiful that not only beautifies your town but also gives out a strong positive message to society, we know we are headed in the right direction! Ujjwal 'Achin' Negi, 20 year old from our very own Doon, is breaking the cliches of the art and giving it a more acceptable form in the society. He is making sure that not only people know what the art is about but also spread social awareness and positive message through it. From painting the town with various social messages to giving a complete punk make-over to automobiles is what makes his art stand out. What's even more amazing? That this young man has no formal training in the art but gets it through lineage from his father, also a renowned artist. Youtube, as Achin puts it, is his teacher for the new forms of the art and that is where he has learnt the technique and mastered it. So if you happen to come across a young 20's something trying to paint the town red next time, you might want to stop by and try your hands at what is one of the most aggressive, expressive and liberating art that is Graffiti! Bravo Achin for reviving the art and showing the world how positivity always helps us grow in life and achieve our dreams. Go on Achin, paint the town with your colours!

Vibrations

Nothing is more liberating than when you know you can use your talent to help the society be a better place. A group of talented dancers from our Doon are spreading the joy of dancing in those who need it the most. Setting a most heart warming example for us to follow. Vibrations has taken dancing to a whole new level. Associated with Nanhi Duniya, vibrations indulges in teaching dance moves, team work and the joy of being together to the kids who have not been with their families. Or have been sheltered from other social atrocities. As beautiful a deed as Nanhi Duniya is doing, let's give a shout out to the Vibrations team for making the heart of all Doonites thump to the most inspirational beat of humanity and good will! Bravo Team Vibrations!

Ride for Peace | Show your Support

When you get a chance to put your talent to good use, you know you are the chosen one! We have joined hands for Saheli Trust. We want our Doon to come together for this nobler cause too! Register as our pillions just for INR 1000 and get a chance to be a part of the coolest bike rally, an adventurous day at a camp in musoorie and a colourful musical evening at Hotel Solitaire! Show your support! Be a proud Doonite!

Saheli Trust | Heroes Of Doon

We all work for money, a career, fame... and mostly for our own benefit. Here's a story of a few people, who came together to work for the smiles, safety and care of abused children and women. Those who needed help the most. Saheli Trust, an initiative by Shruti Kaushik, now supported by Dr. Nitin Pandey, and is a shelter for victims of domestic violence and abuse. Women who were physically abused by their husbands and other family members found a family in Saheli. Children who had no one else to go to, found their home in Saheli. A woman, who probably would have been married to a guy thrice her age , now dreams of becoming a police officer. We salute these 'Heroes of Dehradun'.

Phalguni Dasgupta | Talent Of Doon

Guru Gobind dou khade, kake lagu paaon, Balihaari guru aapne, Gobind diyo bataye, meaning, When god and my teacher stand together, I wouldn't know who's feet to touch first. It has to be the teacher, who taught me all about god. A teacher, a writer and a painter, Mr. Phalguni Dasgupta is as full of life about his art as as a new kid for his toy. He has been a doon-ite for over two decades now and is proud to be a teacher. Having worked with Times Of India and the likes of Vimal Rai productions but gave up his dream of working in the film industry due to family opposition. Since 1959, despite several hardships and almost nil support from his family, Mr. Gupta has been able to revive and save the dying grace of watercolour painting. Needless to say, his dedication for the love of the art; water-colour painting, has brought him many accolades, both national and International. A true artist and gentleman, Phalguni Dasgupta is one of the precious gems of Dehradun and we salute him for his dedication in the field of art.

Talent Of Doon | Rijo Cherian

Today we bring to you the story of an extremely talented person in the field of music. Rijo Cherian! The guy needs no introduction as he has always been amongst the top guitarists of the country. He hails from the God's own country 'Kerela' but his heart lies in the valley of Dehradun. Rijo Cherian was a participant of the reality show MTV Rock On and he was awarded with the 'Best guitarist's' award in 'Kingdom Of Dreams MTV'. He has also featured in many such musical programmes and has always left a lasting impact in all of his gigs. Without a doubt he's one of the special talents of Doon.

The Inamullah Building was built by Sheik Mohd Inamullah in 1917. Over the years, it has found a special place in the hearts of the citizens of this city. Famous for its paan and restaurants, the building is a food lover's delight. This is our tribute to the building and its people.

Rajpur | The Dehradun Project

The spirit of Dehradun lives on in Rajpur. Even as we spend the day in the valley, the evenings are usually best enjoyed with a plate of pakodas from Sardar Jee, or Momos from an assortment of places. If Rajpur’s forests are enchanting, equally romantic are the ruins that dot the little hilly hamlet. Come, let us immerse ourselves in this walk along the road that Rudyard Kipling once took... This , Ladies and Gentlemen, is our very own…’Rajpore’. Thank You for sharing this film with other Doon lovers.

A Heritage Walk | The Dehradun Project

On 5th April 2015, we set out to rediscover our Dehradun. And as we walked the streets of our town, we were mesmerized by the little hidden treasures like the Jangam Shivalay tucked away in Paltan Bazaar or the Ram-Leela Maidaan hidden away in the little alleys of Moti Bazaar. It was an educating experience. Here's a little video to give you a glimpse of what we saw. Thank you Lokesh Ohri and everyone who joined us on our first heritage walk.

Ghanta Ghar | The Dehradun Project

Some people say that life in Dehradun 'revolves' around our most prominent landmark- Ghanta Ghar. After making this film, we agree. This film took us considerably longer to produce. You shall see why. Whilst shooting for this film, we also realized that a town isn't just about these landmarks, but also about life around them...and how each of us is so connected. Even if we don't notice it everyday. Here's to the spirit of Dehradun, and our unseen connections.

A Heritage Called Astley Hall | The Dehradun Project

Dehradun has many 'hidden' heritage gems. Astley Hall , built by Pahadi Wilson is one such gem. We cross it everyday on Rajpur Road , and yet know so little, about the significance of the once sprawling shopping plaza. Today, most heritage pieces of Astley Hall have been rebuilt to accommodate modern businesses. We bring you, what remains of the place, and hope that we shall all remember, and cherish it. We also loved meeting again, the evergreen Mechanic Masters of Doon, Choudhury Saab, and Pyare Lal, in the lane next to Ahuja Pathology, as also the AN John family. More in the film... Please welcome - Astley Hall. With Lokesh Ohri, Lakshya Khanduri, Diwas Pant, Neil Adhikari, Sumit Raturi, Tushar Khatri, Vineet Panchhi