Most people across the globe have a cliché perspective when it comes to India. Some go with the blissful, unrealistic Bollywood portrayal of the country; others just think it is a third world country ridden by corruption and most common picture that sums up India is that of slum dwellers. Yes, the country does struggle with poverty but what people do not see through the glass of corruption and politics is the beauty that dwells in this country. From the people making an effort to make this land a better place to the scenic beauty that India harbors along with its never ending ancient architecture, most of it is has been ignored by the media and the people. A land like no other, this is what sets India apart from any other country. These are 20 photos that the world needs to see to understand how beautiful India really is, because in reality not many residing across the globe even have the faintest idea of what it is to live in this country.
1. She Does Not Have Anything But She Gives Her Daughter The World!!
India is a land of diversity, and that also includes the gap bridged between the rich and the poor. Currently the below poverty line in the country is almost 22% of 1.2 Billion people and the literacy rate is 82.14% for men and 65.46% for women. This photo depicts the struggle faced by the poor in the country, a struggle fueled by the blind eye of the politicians. She has no hope for her future and continues to reside in an unused pipeline but her hope for the future of her daughter is unending.
Photo Credit http://www.buzzfeed.com/regajha/the-heroes-bollywood-wont-show-you#.lfLY6rmM1Y
2. Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan
Seated on a 180-meter hill above sea level, the Chittorgarh fort is an ancient 7 A.D structure that was erected by the Mauryans. The fort lies on the bank of the river Berach, a tributary of the river Banas and is the center of administration of the district. The fort has been a spectacle for centuries and draws raving tourists through the year, it gives them the taste of ancient India, one that was once ruled by great kings. The Chittorgarh railway station isn’t too far and navigating this location is a breeze from any part of this district.
Photo Credit http://amazingpics.net/#/India/Amazing%20India%201.jpg
3. The Kiss Of Love Campaign
To oppose the trend of moral policing carried out by the Shiv Sena and other political parties, the youth carried out these peaceful protests of public display of affection. The protest was spread across different cities and was the first of its kind in which youth of all types and sexual orientations walked out in broad daylight and protested against the government with this harmless display of love for each other. Some were escorted and beaten for their act but the message was passed throughout the country which still hypocritically regards sex a taboo. Love was the victor.
Photo Credit http://indiatoday.intoday.in/gallery/kiss-of-love-reaches-delhi-protests-rss-kerala-kolkata/2/13360.html
Photo Credit http://indiatoday.intoday.in/gallery/kiss-of-love-reaches-delhi-protests-rss-kerala-kolkata/2/13360.html
4. The Man Who Broke The Conventional Barriers Of Religion And Did This!!
Photo Credit http://www.whatsmovingindia.com/content/18-photos-world-needs-see-understand-how-beautiful-india-really
5. The Andaman Islands
Located on the Bay of Bengal, this cluster of islands harbors some of the most pristine beaches on the planet. The white sand of the beaches complimented by its crystal clear waters and immense marine culture has lured tourists from all over the globe year after year. Your trip to India is only completed by visiting this alluring spot. Tourists can reach this spot via the Port Blaire International Airport.
Photo Credit http://www.inspirefirst.com/2011/08/12/amazing-shots-india/
6. Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir
The land of “high passes” is one of the most picturesque places across the globe. It lines the Himalayan range and is a ‘must go’ spot for all riders. The ride to Leh is incomparable as it traverses through some of the most captivating ranges your eyes will ever be set upon.
7. Political Foes But Friends For Life!!
The picture shows two lifelong friends enjoying a meal after supporting separate political parties. Like mentioned, India is a country of diversity and that also includes the political diversity. Here these friends enjoy a meal together despite their political difference. After all, one for all and all for one!!
Photo Credit http://www.buzzfeed.com/regajha/the-heroes-bollywood-wont-show-you#.lfLY6rmM1Y
8. Besides Playing The Role Of A Mother She Has Other Responsibilities!!
To be a woman in this country is a very difficult task. Most of them are controlled and told what to do. This refreshing site however changes that all. She, though struggling to make ends meet with her daughter, has decided to take her future into her own hands by educating herself. This photo of her studying last minute before her exam has become viral and she has emerged the face of women empowerment in the country.
Photo Credit http://www.buzzfeed.com/regajha/the-heroes-bollywood-wont-show-you#.lfLY6rmM1Y
9. This Man Is Actually Changing Lives!!
How often have you woken up, got on to the road and seen a particular person doing something peculiar that makes your day. This man does exactly that on the streets of Mumbai. Despite India being torn apart by religious differences, this man’s placard complimented by his genuine smile probably brings people together regardless of their religion and caste.
Photo Credit http://www.whatsmovingindia.com/content/18-photos-world-needs-see-understand-how-beautiful-india-really
10. Anyone Can Hitch A Ride
In India it is a common practice to hitch a ride even in the city. Riders warmly accept anyone and give them a drop as close to where one needs to reach. In this case, even the monkey has managed to catch a ride.
Photo Credit http://www.khaskhabar.com/search-result.php?search-result=ajabgajab-some-amazing-facts-of-india
11. Kailasa Temple, Ellora
Located in Ellora, Maharashtra, this collection of temples and monasteries form the Ellora caves which is one of the most intricate rock-cut caves across the globe. The caves were built in the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta King Krishna and till today has stood the test of time resulting in the perfect portrayal of ancient India and the Dravidian architecture. The sculptural ornamentation, architectural intricacy, and workmanship used to build it, is still a marvel.
Photo Credit http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/India/West/Maharashtra/Aurangabad/photo1093752.htm
12. Transgender Empowerment
Transgenders have been neglected and condemned in society but these three are doing their best to change the perspective of society. One is a mayor of Chhattisgarh, the other a headmistress and the third a TV anchor. Despite the repulsion faced every day because of their sexual orientation, they have stood against all odds to prove a point and make a decent living for themselves.
Photo Credit http://www.buzzfeed.com/regajha/the-heroes-bollywood-wont-show-you#.lfLY6rmM1Y
13. Filling the holes… One at a time!!
Gangadhara Tilak Katnam is a pensioner from Hyderabad. This man, fed up of the negligence of the government, decided to take matters into his own hands to make life better for the residents and invariably save lives. Using his pension money, he started to fill all the potholes proving to be a menace to travelers. Till date he has filled more than a thousand potholes although he gets no personal benefit from it. His story came to light by the media and since then his raw materials have been funded by the city’s commissioner.
Photo Credit http://post.jagran.com/meet-gangadhara-tilak-katnam-a-retired-railway-employee-who-repairs-potholes-with-his-pension-1433410900
14. The School Under the Bridge
Education is of utmost necessity in this country and for Rajesh Kumar Sharma, nothing will stop him from passing on his knowledge to young kids. He founded this free school under the bridge sacrificing his time and money to give kids a brighter future. The school has now 30 children that attend it every day who learn Basic English, mathematics and other topics.
Photo Credit http://www.weirdhut.com/people/school-under-the-bridge-in-indi
15. Kumbh Mela
This is the largest festival gathering in the world with an attendance over 100-million. This pilgrimage spot is held once a year where devotees from across the globe flock towards it to be cleansed. The festival is held by the rivers Ganga and Yamuna and its tributaries. The gathering can even be seen from space.
Photo Credit http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1147368/tens-millions-hindus-bathe-ganges-kumbh-mela-festival
Photo Credit http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn360-kumbh-mela.html
16. Prabalgad Fort
Initially built as a watchtower in 1458 AD, this fort is located 2300-feet above sea level on the Western Ghats. The fort can be viewed from the Mumbai-Pune Express and is one of the spectacles while one traverses through the picturesque Western Ghats.
Photo Credit http://www.nature-pictures.info/the-33-most-beautiful-abandoned-places-in-the-world/
17. The Philanthropist Auto Rickshaw Driver
Meet Sandeep, the auto driver hailing from Mumbai. He is not too well off himself but he crosses unchartered territory when it comes to his generosity. While most rickshaw drivers literally “take you for a ride” and charge you a bomb, Sandeep offers slashed rates for the elderly and senior citizens. He even has placed a dumb box where travelers can donate to a cancer institution and take back free candy for their generous contribution.
Photo Credit http://www.buzzfeed.com/regajha/munnabhai#.fsXQ4V6D2Q
Photo Credit http://www.buzzfeed.com/regajha/munnabhai#.fsXQ4V6D2Q
Photo Credit http://www.buzzfeed.com/regajha/munnabhai#.fsXQ4V6D2Q
18. The Giver Of Givers
Narayanan Krishnan was the head chef of the Taj hotels in Bangalore and was soon recruited to work in an elite restaurant in Switzerland, but his life changed in an instant. One day while he was going to work he saw an old starving beggar eating his own excrement. The sight floored Krishnan, who then bought him a meal from the nearest hotel. He said that he had never seen a man eat that fast and that tears swelled in the man’s eyes while he consumed the dish. Moved by this heart-wrenching incident, Narayanan started the Akshaya Trust organization in 2003 which now serves meals to more than 400 homeless and disabled people three times a day. Narayanan was awarded a CNN hero in 2010.
Photo Credit http://achhikhabre.com/taj-hotels-chef-quit-job-feed-homeless-people/
19. The Festival Of Colors!!
A festival that has become a rave across the globe, Holi is a spring festival celebrated primarily by Hindus but now is celebrated by almost all regardless of their caste and creed. The festival starts with a bonfire called Holika, which signifies the battle over good or evil. The next day participants, anybody is welcomed, fling dry powdered colors at each other followed by water fights. The festival drink is Bhang, which consists of cannabis leaves. Participants consume it and then proceed playing with colors.
20. The Golden Temple
Also known as Harmandir Sahib, this temple is the holiest ground for the Sikhs. Rebuilt during the 17th century, this holy ground is one of the spectacles in Amritsar, Punjab.
Photo Credit http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Golden-Temple-Jan-07.j
