Pandit Nain Singh Rawat: The Unsung Hero Who Mapped Tibet by Foot

Born on September 21, 1830, in a village in the Johar Valley of Kumaon (Uttarakhand), Pandit Nain Singh Rawat was a man who made a map of the region from Kathmandu to Lhasa and Mansarovar Lake by walking and brought Tibet to the world map.

A resident of Milam village in Munsiyari, Pandit Nain Singh Rawat, as a surveyor, would tie a 33-inch long rope between his feet. When he completed two thousand steps while walking, it was considered one mile. It is a result of Nain Singh's understanding that this accurate map was prepared.

When he did not return home for 16 years, people assumed him to be dead, but his wife was confident that he would return. Every year she used to spin wool and make a coat and pajamas for him. When he returned after 16 years, his wife presented him with 16 coats and pajamas together.

It is a matter of great regret that among the explorers of the world, we are only given information about names like Columbus and Vasco da Gama, no one tells about Nain Singh Rawat, we are Indians and forgetting the contribution of Indians?

Ever wondered why?

Here are some reasons why Pandit Nain Singh Rawat is not given as much importance as he deserves:

His work was for the British government: Nain Singh Rawat worked for the British government, and at that time India was under British rule. After independence, Indian historians often ignored the work done during the British period.

His work was secret: Nain Singh Rawat's work was secret, as he was working in sensitive areas like Tibet. This means that his work did not get as much publicity as other explorers.

His work was not technologically advanced: Nain Singh Rawat did not use modern techniques, and his work is often seen as "old-fashioned."

However, it is important to remember that Pandit Nain Singh Rawat had achieved a remarkable feat. He mapped Tibet and Mansarovar Lake at a time when it was a very difficult and dangerous task. His work is an important part of Indian history, and we should never forget him.

Here are some ways we can preserve the legacy of Pandit Nain Singh Rawat:

Spread awareness about him: We can give Pandit Nain Singh Rawat the importance he deserves by talking about him with our family, friends, and community.

Learn about his work: We can learn about the work of Pandit Nain Singh Rawat by reading books and finding information about him online.

Organize events in his honor: We can pay tribute to Pandit Nain Singh Rawat by organizing events in his honor.

It is our responsibility to preserve the legacy of great Indians like Pandit Nain Singh Rawat.