222 Abode of Gods

political and historical neglect because of the feeling that Himalayas
were invincible; therefore, there was no need to strain one's head
because it was too big to be probed. Wherever there was any
talk of taking up development work in the Himalayas, we shouted
at the top of our voice that we will make it Switzerland of India.
It is there where it was and even now it remains outside the
mainstream of national life. In fact Himalayas have interested
only pilgrims, trekkers, mountaineers and tourists. For some-
time, this dull lull over Himalayas was broken in 1950 when
Chinese annexed Tibet but after some hue and cry the country
fell into deep slumber and we woke up only after a decade when
Chinese showed evil designs over Barhoti and other parts of
Himalayan territories. Quickly, three hill districts of Pithoragarh,
Chamoli and Tehri Garhwal were created. It began to be felt
that Himalayas "had thrown up not only the challenge of the
underprivileged, poor and downtrodden people but also the
challenge of unassimilated citizens who have to be integrated into
our national life, on their own terms".1 Truely, while fortifying
the citadels of India's defence, there cannot be a greater asset for
us than contentment and enlightenment among the citizens
inhabiting the borderland where "the prime requisite" in the
words of Sri V. V. Giri "is the establishment of a sound, stable
.and broadbased economy and adequate training to the population
to make full use of the resources of modern science and tech-
nology. In undertaking this delicate task under the hazardous
,and inhospitable conditions of the unapproachable terrain of the
Himalayas, those in charge of social welfare work in the border
area will have to make a determined effort and utilise all the
resourcefulness at their command...Any change that we contem-
plate should come about through the volition of the beneficiaries
,as a result of their experience and self realisation."

In order to bring about wholesale change, study the basic
problems which are being confronted by the people living in the
high Himalayas in general and Uttarakhand in particular.

1. Sri B. N. Ganguly
2: Sri V. V. Giri.