Bold and Beautiful Vibhor Mohan They are talented, curvaceous and eloquent beauties who strongly believe in Tibetan values and the Dalai Lama. All said these six bold women from the roof of the world are all set to defy the Tibetan government by taking part in the ‘un-Tibetan’ and ‘untraditional’ Miss Tibet contest from October 13 to 15.

Conservation: bane or boon?
Rakesh Lohumi
The increasing conflict between the animal world and humans is evident from the frequent leopard attacks and ever-growing monkey menace, which is emerging as a major issue in the hill state with the villagers embarking on a course of agitation demanding remedial measures.

Village of a lesser God Kiran Deep Everything, is in abundance here—fresh air, melody created by the flowing water of Satluj and picturesque hills and lush green forest cover. But for the villagers of Neilla, Bilaspur district, such things hold little meaning. Because they have to worry about the basic amenities, which is required for a dignified existence. IT’S OFFICIAL: Developmental plans seem to be only on papers when it comes to Neilla village. — Photo by the writer

On the cine trail Himachal, despite being a favourite destination for moviemakers, has not been able to make its presence felt in the industry, finds out Anandita Gupta Remember Madhuri Dixit (wearing a wispy, wafer thin blue chiffon sari) swirling sensuously on the snow capped, undulating slopes in Sunata hai mera khuda of Pukar. Or a chubby Mala Sinha metamorphosised into a robust village belle in Himalaya ki goad mein, twirling merrily amidst salubrious winds? NATURE BECKONS: The picturesque Himachal is a great hit with film makers

David comes to India with guitar in hand

Vibhor Mohan From Australia with love for mountains. Country folk singer, David Clark, is here to bring together the sound of guitar with tabla and flute in his latest album titled David in India. A tribute to the scenic Dhauladhar Hills of Dharamsala, the songs would convince the listeners that guitar is not best suited for rock music only. FUSION MANTRA: David Clark experiments with the East-West fusion music

shimla Diary Remembering Mahatama Pratibha Chauhan The inmates of the Kanda jail here celebrated Gandhi Jayanti singing bhajans and reciting quotations by Mahatma Gandhi as members of the Delhi Kala Karam joined them on this occasion. FESTIVE SPILL: It’s an encroachers’ heaven at Lower Bazar during the festive season. — Photo by Anil Dayal

HIllside view
What a farce, our functions!
by Vepa Rao
I dread going to functions of any kind—wedding receptions, seminars, talks, award- giving ceremonies. The boredom makes you feel so sleepy, you have to make an effort to do the mandatory clapping after each speech. You have to hide your smirking and yawning behind a handkerchief or the folders they supply.