Garhwal Post Bureau
Chhoti Haldwani, 28 Jul: The vibrant community of Chhoti Haldwani came together in full spirit to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Col Jim Corbett on 25 July, in what turned out to be a truly spectacular celebration. The occasion also commemorated 25 years of the Corbett Gram Vikas Samiti (CGVS), an organisation established in 2000 to carry forward Jim Corbett’s legacy. “They have worked relentlessly, beating all odds, to fulfill Jim Corbett’s dream of making Chhoti Haldwani a model village,” said Anjali Bharthari Ravi, who has mentored the village for the last 20 years.
The community’s deep involvement and dedication were on full display throughout the celebration. Children stole hearts with their rendition of the Swagat Geet and Saraswati Vandana and skits, while local women, dressed in traditional attire, performed the graceful Jhora dance and sang songs in praise of Carpet Sahib, as Corbett is fondly remembered. A standout moment was a dramatic play directed by Mukesh Belwal, a native of the village, based on Corbett’s story “Kuwar Singh”. Performed by villagers young and old in vintage costumes, the play transported the audience back in time, bringing the characters and Corbett’s legacy to life. The crowd responded with loud and heartfelt applause throughout the performance.
Early in the morning, around 150 students and guests participated in birdwatching along the Baur River and canal, followed by a heritage walk through the historic village. Visitors admired the well-preserved heritage structures — a testimony to the community’s commitment, even after 150 years. Among the special guests was Nilanjana Dalmia, owner of Gurney House in Nainital, Jim Corbett’s summer home. She stayed at a local village homestay and immersed herself in the peaceful charm of Chhoti Haldwani — reminiscent of how Corbett’s sister Maggie once felt about the village.
The event at the Jim Corbett Winter Home Museum was graced by MLA Bansidhar, Mayor Gajraj Singh Bist, Haldwani, and Rekha Katiura, Chairperson, Nagar Palika. It was also attended by Corbett admirers from across the country including Tykee Malhotra, Samantha Ghosh, Mohit Negi, Sunil Pathak, Haren Bargali, Pradeep Pandey, Suman Anand, Vijaya Malik and Arunindam, who travelled to pay tribute to the man who inspired generations of conservationists.
The Corbett Gram Vikas Samiti (CGVS) organised the entire event, powered by community effort and support from organisations and individuals including the Corbett Tiger Reserve, Wildlife Trust of India, INTACH, Kumaon Regimental Centre, The Corbett Foundation, KK Jungle Resort, Van Hill Resort, Kamola, White Hall School, Abhimanyu Gahalot, and Sunder Mahato.
The Kumaon Regimental Centre honoured Jim Corbett’s contribution to the Army by sending their pipers, and gifting students with educational materials. Rajkumar Pandey, a guiding light of CGVS, was visibly moved to witness his long-held vision of a self-reliant Chhoti Haldwani become reality. Mohan Panday, Secretary, CGV added, “We have come a long way — introducing heritage and nature walks, cycle tours, puppet shows, training programmes, self-help groups, and sustainable homestays. But more needs to be done. This model of community-based tourism must be replicated in other ecologically fragile areas.”
Children performed short plays on environmental themes, reinforcing the message of conservation among the younger generation. As the day drew to a close, one sentiment echoed through the village — a heartfelt salute to India’s first true conservationist, a man who saw the forests not as hunting grounds, but as ecosystems to protect and preserve. A first special day cover to mark the 150 years (1875-1955) was released by the Postal Department. An exhibition was also mounted to acquaint the audience with Col Edward James Corbett.
