Book discussion and Qisse-Kahaniyan 1st July, 3 PMFaizi Khan talks about her first book "Urooj"
These are some highlights from dry ration drive dated 17-05-2021. We were able to help 150+ families.
Note : Actually above article written by Swaytank Maheshwari, Travel Explorer and Advisor. Newspaper made a mistake
NIGHT CYCLING A WORLD HERITAGE SITE | FEBRUARY 2021
Swaytank Maheshwari
Explored and Travel Advisor
Cycling at night that too in the Walled City of Jaipur! None of the enthusiasts would like to miss it.
A last-minute request with Jaipur Virasat Foundation ensured me a spot on the first of its kind of tour in Jaipur post the first Corona lockdown. As the leader Nikhil Chillana said the words “Let's reclaim the streets,” it gave me goosebumps. For me too it was a first - Night riding on cycle in my own world heritage city.
All geared up, I met fellow participants at the impressive location of Jaipur Virasat. It was a mixed group of men and women, experienced bikers and curious (or rather say enthusiast) first-timers. Some brought their bikes in cars. Others like me biked all the way from home. I could feel the excitement in the air as none of us had done a night ride in our own Jaipur.
Nikhil is a chilled out cycling pro with his own bike tour company. Pandemic has taken a toll on every segment of the tourism Industry and this niche area of cycle tours is also not untouched. Cycling is one travel activity that is sustainable, environment friendly, makes you fitter, and allows you to explore the nooks and corners of the destination with extreme ease. Cycling has a huge fan following in Europe and countries like Netherland has dedicated cycling highways and lanes.
We started at 10:15 PM and the streets were far from that "reclaim" word. Roads were buzzing with vehicles & people and at occasional places, saturday night parties were getting live. He led us cautiously and with care to Indira Market via Panch Batti explaining the small unheard nuances of these not so touristy places. Ride through the otherwise busy thoroughfare, Khazane walon ka Rasta brought back my memories of childhood. I remember buying cloth from this market and getting it stitched with a tailor. The occasional sound of sculptors working in the night to complete their statues broke the silence in an otherwise quiet street at Night.
Crossing the recently renovated Choti Chaupar (thanks to Metro Work) we reached the imposing facade of Maharaja Girls High School and Nataniyon ki haveli.
Its a structure of pride for the residents of UNESCO World Heritage City Jaipur. Apart from its architectural beauty, it was the first Girls school set up by the Maharaja in Jaipur in 1866. This underlines the vision the royal family had and also the fact that CSR responsibility was taken seriously by the Business community (Natani Family donated a huge part of their residence) at that time.
The full moon night on 27th Feb 2021 made these Havelis and Palaces look very beautiful and presented unspoken stories of the city. Night riding in the city's bylanes also needs some special technique to save yourself from Potholes and Street dogs. Keep a good light in front of your Bike for the ubiquitous potholes and a pack of Glucose biscuits handy for our canine fellows.
One place which I visited after many many years was the Film Colony, opposite the famous Golcha Multiplex. Currently, it's a wholesale market for Medicines that has unique Art Deco buildings. These are being renovated and by the looks of it will get developed as a hub for some good food options.
We culminated the ride at Hawa Mahal past midnight coupled with some cool photo sessions with an iconic monument in the background.
This pandemic has forced many residents to switch to cycling (more as fitness equipment) and in turn, they have contributed to a better environment of the city, though unknowingly. How can this movement of cycling be sustained? We will have to work along with Citizens and Governments to ensure better conditions for cyclist and pedestrians. Responsible persons for Jaipur’s master plan have to recognize this and keep on working towards sustainable options for Jaipur like Cycling Lanes, sensitivity towards bikers, More footpaths in busy areas for pedestrians and make Jaipur an ideal city to live and visit.
We in Jaipur have something which no one in the world has. Let’s keep the vision of our founders intact and try and preserve the living heritage of the city intact.
Can You guess what was my takeaway from this ride - Off Course, I claimed a very small slice of the Walled Heritage city and an amazing 30 km ride on the weekend.
ANNUAL ACTIVITY REPORTS
JVF Annual Report 2017
FCRA DOCUMENTS
FCRA Financial Statement 2014-15
FCRA Financial Statement 2015-16
FCRA Financial Statement 2016-17
