Didsari village was one of the unfortunate and unrecognized regions that were severely affected by the devastating floods of Uttarakhand but with the help of Harshit Sehdev this tiny village got a bridge and roads after the devastating Kedarnath flood tragedy and it is also known across the globe.
In conversation with lifie Harshit shares, During the Kedarnath Flood tragedy 2013, when an ITBP officer told me that Didsari village in Uttarakhand was the worst hit. I visited the village and found that this place was simply disconnected from the rest of the country. One of the worst effects of the tragedy in the village was the loss of infrastructure
Even in the case of medical emergencies, a patient would have to be carried nearly 5 km to an ambulance waiting across the Bhagirathi river.
Ridiculed by Govt Authorities, I started a movement with villagers to build a temporary bridge and trolley in Didsari, Uttarakashi. I made sure issues of these villagers were exposed on social media and soon we got help.
I had formed a direct connection with the locals and in year 2018 when I returned back to the village with Cloe (French Friend) we found that the locals were struggling to stand on their feet.
We explored different ways to help. But once when Chloe tasted the Pahadi Namak with the food, she commented that she can sell the seasoned salt in France.
Their first product ‘Flavored Gourmet Salt’ was launched and they started selling it in France.
To my surprise, the stock got a good response and it got over within days.
In order to uplift the farmers cautiously, our startup ‘Himshakti’ was launched soon with an investment of Rs. 10,000.
The salt is made up of several other herbs found in Himalayan hills to add taste to everyday foods.
Harshit extends practical knowledge and financial support to the farmers to ensure quality and taste. This includes seeds, organic fertilizer inputs or any other financial support.
Currently Himshakti sells salts and other spices directly to customers across India and other countries like France, Russia, UK, USA, and Vietnam.
Apart from selling salts directly to customers, Himshakti has also tied up with homestays, hotels and resorts such as JW Marriott Mussoorie, Jaypee Residency Manor and La Villa Bethany.
The villagrs have gained financial Independence. Their happiness has no boundaries after knowing that their village was now on International salt map.
