In conversation with award-winning authors

Niyogi Books’ Intriguing India wins National Award

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Published by Niyogi Books, New Delhi, two travel books The Alluring North and The Vibrant West received the prestigious National Tourism Award for ‘Excellence’ from the president of India, Pranab Mukherjee at a glittering function in New Delhi. Here the authors of the books – Hugh and Colleen Gantzer reveal more in conversation with Varsha Verma.Who were the strange Gods who taught, and danced with, the Dahs in the high mountains of Ladakh? Why were the caves of Ajanta first carved? What is the true meaning of a strange painting in a church in Chennai? Where did the warrior Nagas come from? These are just a few questions which are answered in travel books which have been conferred with the National Tourism Award for ‘Excellence’. It is the first time in the history of the awards that such an honour has been conferred jointly on a couple for two books written and illustrated by them.

Hugh and Colleen Gantzer

Authored by the Gantzer couple, Hugh and Colleen and published by Niyogi Books, the titles The Alluring North and The Vibrant West are part of a four-volume series. “The other two books in the series, The Historic South and The Colourful East, could not be submitted for the award because they were released after the stipulated dates,” told Hugh as a matter of fact. All four books have, however, been packaged together in an attractive slip-cover giving readers access to 96 intriguing Indian destinations. “Our experience with Niyogi Books has been very good as they have the best production values,” he added.

Written in an informal, provocative style, the four Intriguing India books target the new information-hungry, questing, social-media generation. They will captivate both the mature, informed, travellers who look for more insightful encounters, as well as who ask why things are as intriguing as they are. “There has been a change in the expectations of the tourists. First, they wanted to go and see a monument, then slowly they evolved and now they want to even do much more than visiting the monument – they wish to meet people and know more about the culture and the history of the place. That is why books like The Life of Pi have been so popular,” told Hugh.

“Myths and legends are prevalent everywhere and at their core, lies the truth. We have tried to peel the layers from them and have tried to bring the legend connect and possible explanation, through our books,” he added.

“A retired naval officer, Hugh always liked to travel. It was at his last posting in Kerala that we decided to explore the state as we might never come back to this place. Believe it or not, we travelled from Kerala to Kanyakumari on a two-wheeler alongwith our son. We made our notes, wherever we went and wrote about Kerala for Illustrated Weekly. That was the beginning, we had become travel writers,” told Colleen.

Hugh & Colleen have written several travel articles for various newspapers and magazines including Femina, Weekly, Mirror, Readers’ Digest, Business Standard, to name a few. They also wrote the script for TV series ‘Looking Beyond.’ They also authored several books including thrillers and a book on spices as well. More recently, they are working on a book on the Ashoka Hotel. “We signed the contract just two days back and it seems to be a thrilling project,” concluded Hugh.