Lekhak Gaon, also called the Writer's Village, is India's ground-breaking project located in the tranquil surroundings of Thano, approximately 24 km from Dehradun. This first of its kind destination, situated in a 25-acre sanctuary that debuted in October 2024, is dedicated to fostering intellectual and artistic activities while providing writers, artists, and thinkers with a conducive environment for the said activities. The village showcases India's commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage while promoting contemporary innovation.
Renowned author and the former chief minister of Uttarakhand, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, was the driving force behind the creation of Lekhak Gaon. Nishank envisioned a special sanctuary where creative minds might come together, work together, and produce art. The concept is inspired by the idea of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who bemoaned the absence of areas specifically designated for writers in India. To this day, writers lack spaces for representation just as much as they are underpaid and under recognised in their craft. An important turning point in India's cultural history was reached when former President Ram Nath Kovind, together with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmeet Singh (Retd), formally opened the village.
The infrastructure of Lekhak Gaon is a fusion of contemporary conveniences and vernacular Uttarakhandi architecture. The region's architectural legacy is reflected in the structures' traditional hill stone slabs and deodar wood doors. The hamlet includes writer's cottages, a museum, a comprehensive library, and common areas intended to stimulate reflection and creativity.
Lekhak Gaon aspires to be a worldwide centre for literary and cultural exchange in addition to its physical infrastructure. More than 300 authors, artists, and thinkers from 65 nations come to the town for the International Literature, Art, and Culture Festival. This five-day festival celebrates the universality of literature and the arts while providing a forum for intercultural discussion.
Lekhak Gaon is a purveyor of India's cultural heritage in addition to being a nurturing haven for modern writers. The museum and library in the village are dedicated to conserving and promoting Uttarakhand's, and India's, overall literary and cultural traditions. The Gaon supports the preservation of the region's intangible heritage and advances the Himalayan philosophy through programs like the Sparsh Himalaya Abhiyan.
The Writer's Village gives authors and artists the platform to improve their craft and network with other artists by offering residencies, workshops, and seminars. By way of promoting communication amongst literary thinkers from all backgrounds, Lekhak Gaon manages to create a lively environment where ideas can thrive. Together with the village's resources, the peaceful surroundings provide it a perfect place to pursue creative endeavours.
Lekhak Gaon also plays a crucial part in India's growing literary tourist industry. The village boosts the local economy and advertises Uttarakhand as a destination for literary tourism by drawing tourists who are interested in literature and culture. With such a move, India is positioned on the international scene as a nation that sustains its literary legacy manifested in the novel idea of a dedicated writer's hamlet.
Places to Visit: Being a village, there aren't too many tourist destinations to explore. Visit the main building, library, museum, and the cosy writers' cottages.
Places to Visit Nearby: As it is located close to Dehradun, one can plan a trip to the city's many tourist spots like Tapkeshwar Temple, Robber's Cave, Mindrolling Monastery, and Dehradun Zoo to name a few.
How to Reach: Lekhak Gaon is located in the outskirts of Dehradun. The Jolly Grant Airport serves as the main airport for the region.
