Celebrating the determination of a daughter of the Himalayas

Dehradun was recently the location of the premier of a film titled Ganga - Daughter of the Himalayas Ganga, the story of a local girl who braved the odds and became one of few women mountaineers from India to have scaled some of the highest peaks in the world. The film explores the profound connection between Devyani and the river Ganga. Determined to conquer the world’s highest peaks, Devyani, who grew up in Mukhba, a serene Himalayan village at Gangotri’s foothills, envisions summits that match her towering ambitions. From Mt Kilimanjaro, her gaze shifts to Mt Everest and the famed seven summits, each a continent’s emblem. Before facing the unknown, she embarks on an introspective quest, seeking her inner power and flow. This spiritual journey intertwines with Mukhba’s river Goddess Ganga, shaping Devyani’s calling. Bowing to Gaumukh’s headstream, she proceeds to Tapovan, a verdant meadow of austerities, to commence her penance — the challenging ascent of Mt. Shivling. At the summit, where the snowy crown meets the sky, Devyani, embraced by elemental forces, stands prepared for the world’s towering peaks.

The maker of the film, Bharatbala says, "We had been travelling all over India, looking to tell 1000 powerful human stories from this 5000-year-old civilization. What drew us to Uttarakhand was simply the idea from pravaha or flow, embodied physically and spiritually by the holy Ganga. As we traced her winding path from the Himalayas to Haridwar, we found story upon story steeped in the rich culture of the mountain people. We were struck by their resilience and their inventiveness, and as our films took shape, deeply inspired by their ability to not just co-exist with nature, but to nurture and safeguard it for generations to come. In today's era of rapidly escalating climate change, the people of Uttarakhand offer a shining beacon of hope for humanity. We are honoured to be telling their stories."

He further adds, "Ganga - Daughter of the Himalayas from the seven-film Uttarakhand series is very special to all of us. In Gangotri’s holy streets, where piety flows like the Ganga, our unconventional film crew attracted attention with peculiar luggage. From booms and tripods to drones and cameras, we embarked on a cinematic pilgrimage to Chirbasa, Bhojwasa, Gaumukh, Tapovan, and back. Our motley crew, aged 19 to 59, faced both anticipated adventures and unexpected misadventures in the sacred mountains. This film captures Devyani’s epic journey in the Himalayas, reflecting her ambition, spirituality, and the mesmerizing beauty of the mountains. It’s an emotional and visually stunning experience, showcasing natural beauty, human resilience, and the sacred bond between mountains and rivers.”