Ajay Dhami on Carrying Forward the Himalayan Spirit
Currently pursuing Bachelor of Commerce from Government Degree College, Kanda, Ajay Dhami passed from Himalayan Inter College (HIC), Chaukori in 2025. Ajay hails from Kameri Devi, a small town near Chaukori,surrounded by tea gardens which have magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks.
As a student of HIC, he received a scholarship from Himalayan Education Foundation (HEF). He was a member of National Cadets Corps (NCC) and obtained a ‘B’ certificate. He is keen to join the armed forces after his studies continuing his family tradition.
Recently Ajay talked to ‘Himalayan Voices’ (HV). Let’s learn more about him and his life journey.
HV: Hello, Ajay! Welcome to Himalayan Voices. To start, could you tell us a bit about your family and background?
Ajay: Thank you for having me. I come from a close-knit, entrepreneurial family in Seri village, near Kameri Devi. My father runs a small tour and travel business. My grandfather served in the Indian Army. He stays with us after his retirement. My mother manages our home, and my elder brother is currently pursuing a degree in Hotel Management at Amrapali University, Haldwani. We are a very happy, grounded family.
HV: That sounds like a wonderful foundation. What are your primary subjects of interest, and how did you develop a passion for them?
Ajay: My favorite subjects are Accountancy, Economics, and Business Studies. I find them very engaging because they explain how the world functions, though I feel they are often underrated compared to other academic streams.
HV: Looking ahead, what is your ideal career path? What further studies or skills are you looking to acquire?
Ajay: I am currently pursuing my B.Com and plan to follow that with an MBA. However, my ultimate ambition is to join the Defense Forces after graduation. For me, life is a continuous journey of growth; I strive every day to be a slightly better version of myself than I was yesterday.
Life in the Hills
HV: What did you value most about attending school in the hill country?
Ajay: The greatest gift is the constant connection to nature. However, there is a clear contrast with urban areas. While we have the beauty of the mountains, towns offer much better access to essential services like healthcare, higher education, and diverse employment opportunities.
HV: How do you spend your leisure time? Do you have any favorite books, movies, or music?
Ajay: In my spare time, I enjoy watching films and television—Breaking Bad is a particular favorite. I’m also a reader; Khalid Hosseini’s The Kite Runner left a deep impression on me. When it comes to music, I prefer soft, melodic tracks. My playlist usually features The Smiths and Deepak Rathore.
HV: You mentioned your father is in the travel business. Where have you traveled, and what stands out to you?
Ajay: I love traveling. I’ve explored Munsyari, Nainital, and Rishikesh, among many other places. Nothing compares to the sight of snow-covered Himalayan peaks; they never cease to amaze me. I would like to assist my father’s business by creating a digital presence like a website on the internet and letting the world know about us and our services.
Community and Challenges
HV: From your perspective, what are the most significant challenges facing hill communities today?
Ajay: Our communities face a complex set of hurdles:
Environmental: Landslides, deforestation, and unpredictable weather driven by climate change threaten our water sources and agriculture.
Demographic: The "brain drain" is real. Many young people migrate to cities for better prospects, leaving behind an aging population.
Infrastructure: We struggle with limited healthcare, digital connectivity, and educational resources.
Economic: High transportation costs and poor market access make it difficult for local farmers and businesses to thrive.
HV: What specific changes would most improve life in your home village?
Ajay: Infrastructure is the priority—reliable roads, high-speed internet, and modern healthcare. Beyond that, we need skill development programs and support for local entrepreneurship so that our youth can see a future for themselves right here at home.
HV: Are you currently involved with any organizations or community groups?
Ajay: I’m not formally affiliated with any specific organization right now, but I stay very active in college and community events. I’m particularly drawn to initiatives involving social awareness and youth engagement.
HV: How do you hope to contribute to your community in the future?
Ajay: I want to champion education and digital literacy. My goal is to support local entrepreneurship to create sustainable jobs. Even simple career guidance for the younger generation can make a massive difference in a small village.
Reflections on HIC
HV: What is your fondest memory of your time at HIC (Himalayan Inter College)?
Ajay: I still remember those high-energy volleyball matches with my friends and those quiet, laughing moments on the back bench of Class 12-C. Those friendships and carefree conversations made my school years unforgettable.
HV: Finally, what advice would you give to current HIC students?
Ajay: Treasure these years. Participate in everything you can, build genuine friendships, and respect your mentors. Focus on self-growth, but don't forget to enjoy the journey—it goes by faster than you think.
HV: Thank you, Ajay! We wish you a productive career and a very bright future ahead.
Ajay Dhami’s contact details
Phone: :9058844424
Email: ajaydhami161@gmail.com
Social media (FB, instagram):ajay_dhami__