In the heart of Ramgarh Shekhawati In the heart of Ramgarh Shekhawati beats the pulse of a revitalization movement led by the indomitable spirit of Shruti Poddar. A scion of the illustrious Poddar family, the creators of Ramgarh Shekhawati, Shruti Nada Poddar embarked on a deeply personal journey to breathe life into the faded glory of her ancestral town. With unwavering resolve and a singular focus, she founded the Shruti Foundation, a beacon of hope for the preservation and restoration of Ramgarh Shekhawati's heritage. She also heads INTACH Shekhawati chapter, covering tree districts of Rajasthan and has won accolades for her single-handed efforts at bringing Ramgarh Shekhawati ion the world map.
Shruti's connection to the Indian cultural ethos runs deep, which led her back to India from her life in the UK, to a promised land she unwittingly dreamed of, surprisingly and intuitively led her back to the abandoned land of her ancestors,
Heartbroken with the decay and destruction of this astonishing town, the decay of the town's once-majestic havelis and the erosion of its cultural identity over a entury, she was spurred into action. Determined to reclaim the town's lost splendour, Shruti returned to her roots, armed with a vision of renewal and a commitment to effect change, fuelled by a profound sense of duty towards this great land, its tangible and intangible heritage, its local communities, particularly the power of the women and the indigenous greatness of this great land of patronage of knowledge and culture, also called Doosra Kashi. Over the span of a mere decade, Shruti's tireless efforts have borne fruit, transforming the landscape of Ramgarh Shekhawati in remarkable ways. From the moment one steps off the train at the railway station, the signs of rejuvenation are unmistakable. Some of the dilapidated facades have been lovingly restored, vibrant murals adorn once-muted walls. Shruti's approach to revitalising Ramgarh Shekhawati is characterised by a blend of innovation and tradition. She has spearheaded initiatives to revive traditional crafts, promote eco-tourism, and empower local artisans. Through the Shruti Foundation's collaborative efforts with the community, heritage conservationists, and government agencies, Ramgarh Shekhawati is experiencing a renaissance of sorts.
Yet, perhaps the most awe-inspiring aspect of Shruti's journey is her unwavering commitment to the cause. Her passion is infectious, inspiring others to rally behind her vision and join the movement to revitalise Ramgarh Shekhawati.
