Prominent journalist Harish Sharma to chronicle transformations through documentary and book. Seasoned artist Hemant Pandey from Pithoragarh will serve as the anchor for this ambitious project.
By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 11 Jul: Harish Sharma, a well-known journalist, spent five years (1987-1992) in Pithoragarh working as a freelancer for Amar Ujala, Uttar Ujala, then as a working journalist for esteemed publications like Aaj, Dainik Jagran and PTI. During that time, he embarked on numerous trekking expeditions across Pithoragarh and its remote villages. His aim was to raise awareness for improving the living standards of underprivileged villagers.
In 1990-92, Harish Sharma undertook a trek from Munsiyari to Milam Glacier and Chhota/Aadi Kailash, documenting his experiences for Dainik Jagran and other publications. Now, 34 years later, Sharma is planning to revisit the villages and towns he explored back then to document the transformation that has unfolded between then and now through a documentary and a book. He has preserved photographs and published articles from his earlier visits to these locations 34 years ago.
At the time, a local photographer also captured their Milam Glacier trek on video, which Sharma no longer possesses, unfortunately. He believes this footage would be invaluable for his documentary, offering viewers a glimpse into Pithoragarh of that era. Sharma’s journey will take him along former footpaths that have now been transformed into motorways.
He vividly remembers the lack of basic amenities in these villages 34 years ago and is eager to witness the improvements in living standards that have likely taken place over the years.
Sharma recalls encountering several villages with only a handful of residents. He reminisces about the women weaving carpets in Jangpani village, hotels constructed from ringal (bamboo) poles, the confluence of the Poting and Gauri rivers, the 24-kilometre trek from Munsiyari to Bugdiyar, the memorial for the 13 soldiers martyred in an avalanche on 7 January, 1989, the 20-house village of Tallaril Kot, the musk deer, and the two small lakes in Martoli called Naini Tal, and the water mill in Burphu village.
His cinematographer friend Prakash Da informed him that vehicles now have easy access to these areas, positively impacting the lives of local residents.
Since moving to Delhi in 1992, Sharma has established himself as a successful freelance journalist, PR professional, and filmmaker. He has authored four books and spearheaded promotional campaigns for numerous films, musical events, and artists.
His next book, “25 Years of Entertainment PR,” is slated for release in 2025, followed by a book and documentary on “50 Years of Sports College Lucknow”. Scheduled for release in 2025, Sharma’s documentary and book promise a captivating portrayal of Pithoragarh’s progress, offering viewers a glimpse into the development and modernisation of a rural region will also release in 2025.
