Dams were once described by Jawaharlal Nehru as ‘New temples of a resurgent India’. In October 1963, at the ceremony to mark the dedication
of the Bhakra–Nangal project to the nation, he had said: “This dam has been built with the unrelenting toil of man for the benefit of mankind and, therefore, is worthy of worship.” However, there are many who are now questioning the Nehruvian model of development. The Narmada Bachao Andolan says the Narmada project will displace more than 200,000 people apart from damaging the fragile ecology of the region. In 1947, India had 300 large dams. By the year 2000, the number rose to over 4000, more than half of them built between 1971 and 1989. India is today ranked third in the world in dam building, after US and China. But can we do without that distinction?
of the Bhakra–Nangal project to the nation, he had said: “This dam has been built with the unrelenting toil of man for the benefit of mankind and, therefore, is worthy of worship.” However, there are many who are now questioning the Nehruvian model of development. The Narmada Bachao Andolan says the Narmada project will displace more than 200,000 people apart from damaging the fragile ecology of the region. In 1947, India had 300 large dams. By the year 2000, the number rose to over 4000, more than half of them built between 1971 and 1989. India is today ranked third in the world in dam building, after US and China. But can we do without that distinction? 
to me as a river from which I am withdrawn like a log after a flood.” This is how Rudyard Kipling described the Grand Trunk Road, which is the very heartline of the Indian subcontinent. No other road can match the history, culture and spirit of this road that links Kolkata to Kabul in a 1,600-mile stretch. The foundation of the road was laid in the Mauryan period, In the 16th century, it was rebuilt afresh by Emperor Sher Shah Suri. The Sadak-e-Azam, as it was then known, is universally recognised as the precursor of GT Road. The road bears testimony to the famed unity in diversity of India. Moti Mahal on Great Queen Street, London, celebrates a special GT Road gourmet fare that includes Qabali Seviyan, Barra Peshawari, Aloo Sialkoti, Lucknow Makhmali Seekh and much more! 
ochre-coloured robes, represent an aspect of India that is ageless. These ascetics and itinerant monks roam the cities, towns, and ghats of India in search of salvation. They have done so for centuries. Their bodies and foreheads are often smeared with ash and vermilion. They survive primarily on alms though many are attached to akhadas located in various holy places like Banaras and Haridwar. Usually, they are masters of yoga and can perform some tricks. 
Vishnu. More than 4.5 crore pilgrims flock to this hill shrine for 60 days every year. “Sabarimalai temple of Lord Ayyappa, Kerala, is the most famous Hindu pilgrim centre in south India and is the second largest pilgrim gathering centre in the world after Mecca,’’ says a senior journalist Babu Krishnakala. The temple is at least 4000 to 4500 years old. 
pi Hotels was first started by Shivalli Madhwa Brahmins of coastal Karnataka. Udupi hotels are famous for their idli, vada and dosa. Udupi hotels were once confined to Bangalore and Mumbai. Now we see them even in Varanasi, Rishikesh and Manali. They are everywhere. Udupi hotels have now transformed themselves to keep pace with the fast food era. In Bangalore, ‘Darshini’a a new avatar of the Udupi joint, opened its doors. 
everything from idli-dosa and chhole-kulche to aloo-tikki, kathi rolls and jhalmuri, not to mention an indigenous variety of chowmien that smells more of Chandni Chowk than China. They mushroom at any spot in a city that promises brisk business: outside colleges and offices, around fair grounds and in the heart of busy markets. The variety of cuisine is as remarkable as the quality on offer. Street food vendors are among India's most enterprising businessmen - they rustle up anything the sells, alter their inventory whenever necessary and are quick on their feet, moving from one place to another in search of greener pastures. And there is nobody to beat the ubiquitous panipuri wallah. Variously called phuchka, gupchup and gol-gappa, this delicious concoction is probably the hottest selling of the lot. It's a gastronome's delight, but a strong digestive system is an absolute must.