Malika Virdi: Creating a Harmonious Haven in the Himalayas
In the heart of the enchanting Sarmoli village nestled amidst the awe-inspiring Greater Himalaya, Malika Virdi has embarked on a remarkable journey over two decades ago. Her unwavering passion for a life connected to the land and its people in this remote corner of Uttarakhand led her to become an integral part of the mountain village community. Today, she is renowned as the Sarpanch of the Sarmoli-Jainti Van Panchayat and proudly refers to herself as a subsistence farmer. However, her accomplishments extend far beyond her agricultural endeavors.
Enter the Himalayan Ark, a pioneering community-led tourism initiative championed by Malika Virdi. This visionary endeavor is breathing new life into the region while supporting the empowerment of local mountain women through the establishment of homestays. With their support, visitors are welcomed into the pristine beauty of the Greater Himalaya, where they can immerse themselves in the wilderness, gaining a deeper connection with nature and culture.
During an interview with Outlook Traveller, Malika Virdi shed light on the unique approach of Himalayan Ark, linking tourism with conservation and livelihoods. Sarmoli village, located in Munsiari near the trijunction of Nepal and Tibet in the stunning Gori Valley, offers a truly magical experience. The community thrives on the forests and natural resources, which have long been preserved through traditional systems and a symbiotic commons arrangement.
However, as markets encroached upon their way of life, the forest commons began to wane in significance. Malika Virdi recognized the urgent need to bridge the gap between conservation and livelihoods. In 2003, as an elected Sarpanch, she attempted to rally the community to conserve their forests. Yet, the response was lackluster, as their dependence on the natural resource base had dwindled over time. This pivotal moment prompted the birth of the homestay initiative in 2004.
The vision was simple: invite the entire community to participate in the tourism enterprise, allowing them to volunteer as long as they actively engaged in conservation efforts. Thirteen families initially joined, gradually growing to 25. Over time, this grassroots movement evolved into Himalayan Ark, a responsible tourism enterprise that harmonizes nature and culture within the mountain community. Today, Sarmoli boasts 18 registered homestays, with a few more scattered across six neighboring villages.
As Malika Virdi explains, what sets Himalayan Ark homestays apart is the genuine connection visitors forge with the place and its people. Unlike impersonal hotels that offer a mundane experience, these homestays provide a window into the heart of the village. Guests are encouraged to embrace the warmth and care offered by their host families, respecting the fact that they are stepping into their private spaces. It is an opportunity to experience the local way of life, partaking in the family’s daily routines, and fostering mutual respect.
The hospitality at Himalayan Ark homestays is carefully tailored to create a symbiotic relationship between hosts and guests. Meals are not ordered; instead, guests are served three nourishing meals that cater to dietary preferences. Understanding the village women’s responsibilities, breakfast and dinner are hot, while lunch is conveniently packed, allowing the hosts to carry on with their daily work. The goal is to immerse guests in the rhythm of village life and promote a sense of co-ownership and camaraderie within the community.
The journey of Himalayan Ark has not been without its challenges. One common misconception is that village homestays should offer cheap accommodations, undermining the immersive cultural experience they provide. Additionally, maintaining unity within the community amidst market pressures can be difficult, as some individuals may attempt to break away from the collective model. Yet, Malika Virdi emphasizes the importance of solidarity, as a collective front ensures the majority’s security and prevents the market from overpowering their interests.
While the government expresses support for homestays, infrastructure remains a persistent challenge. Issues such as limited connectivity, poorly maintained roads, and a lack of essential facilities like ATMs and credit card services hinder the last-mile connectivity required for rural homestays to flourish. It is crucial for the government to address these infrastructural gaps to facilitate the success of rural tourism initiatives.
Malika Virdi’s Himalayan Ark has become a shining example of responsible tourism. Her proven best practices offer valuable insights for practitioners in the field. Keeping the community, landscape, and guests at the core is paramount, ensuring a delicate balance between tourism and the preservation of local identity. Mindfulness regarding resource usage and the empowerment of the local community further contribute to a truly responsible and enriching tourist experience.
Through Malika Virdi’s unwavering commitment, Sarmoli village has transformed into an ethereal haven where visitors can connect deeply with nature, culture, and the vibrant spirit of the local community. Himalayan Ark stands as a testament to the power of community-led initiatives and the harmonious coexistence of tourism, conservation, and livelihoods in the magnificent backdrop of the Greater Himalaya.
