Restoring the Heart of the Hills: The Inspiring Journey of Maj. Gorki and Deepti Chandola
Uttarakhand, the Land of Gods, has always been revered for its pristine beauty and spiritual heritage. Yet today, it grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and migration, turning once-thriving villages into ghost towns. Amidst this, a couple has emerged as a beacon of hope and revival—Major Gorki Chandola and Deepti Chandola, who have dedicated their lives to restoring their ancestral village in Pauri Garhwal.


A Partnership Rooted in Resilience
Major Gorki Chandola, a decorated Indian Army officer and former NSG commando, had always dreamt of returning to the hills he called home. After 12 years of serving the nation and a successful stint as an entrepreneur, he chose to leave city life behind in 2016 to rebuild Rawat Gaon, his ancestral village. Joining him in this bold endeavor was his wife, Deepti Chandola, an artist with a deep appreciation for the cultural and natural heritage of Uttarakhand.
Together, the Chandolas form a dynamic duo, seamlessly blending traditional practices with modern solutions to revive the village and inspire others.
Reviving a Ghost Village
When Gorki and Deepti first arrived in Rawat Gaon, the village bore the scars of years of neglect. Abandoned houses, overgrown fields, and crumbling infrastructure told the story of migration. Undeterred, the couple embarked on an ambitious journey to transform the landscape.

Their first project was restoring their ancestral home, a centuries-old structure made of stone, mud, and wood. Instead of modern materials, they employed traditional construction techniques that are earthquake-resistant and climate-friendly. Deepti took charge of the aesthetic revival, painting the walls with traditional dyes and intricate designs, ensuring that the cultural soul of the house remained intact.



From there, they expanded their efforts to the entire village. They restored abandoned farms using organic farming practices, blending ancient methods with scientific innovation. Deepti’s artistic flair extended to the fields, where she introduced sustainable techniques to grow medicinal herbs and exotic fruits, creating a visually stunning and productive landscape.
Pathaal: A Visionary Initiative
Their passion for sustainability led to the creation of Pathaal, a homestay and community-driven project named after the traditional mud-and-stone architecture of Uttarakhand. Pathaal serves as more than a tourist destination—it is a hub of cultural preservation, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism.






At Pathaal, guests can experience the beauty of the hills while contributing to the local economy. The Chandolas have used this platform to promote traditional art, organic farming, and local crafts, providing employment opportunities for villagers and inspiring others to return to their roots.
Cultivating a Thriving Ecosystem
Under the Chandolas’ leadership, Rawat Gaon has transformed from a ghost village into a thriving community. The couple introduced rainwater harvesting systems, built new irrigation channels, and revived the cultivation of crops that had disappeared from the area due to rising temperatures.
Their farm now produces over 30 varieties of fruits and vegetables, including guavas, lychees, plums, and medicinal herbs—all grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Deepti’s artistic touch is evident even here, as she ensures the farm is as visually appealing as it is productive.
A Community Reborn
For the Chandolas, the revival of Rawat Gaon is as much about people as it is about infrastructure. They have established employment and recreation centers for the youth, provided training in traditional and modern skills, and inspired other villagers to stay and rebuild their lives.








Deepti, with her empathetic and creative approach, complements Gorki’s disciplined and strategic mindset. Together, they have created a model of community development that addresses both the economic and emotional needs of the villagers.
Inspiring a Movement
Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. Locals like Omprakash Chandola and Dinesh Kathait credit the couple for inspiring others to return to Pauri Garhwal and reverse the tide of migration.
“When Gorki and Deepti came here, we thought they would leave like everyone else. But they stayed and have made Rawat Gaon their home. Their dedication has brought life back to the village,” says Omprakash.
A Call for Collective Action
While the Chandolas’ story is one of triumph, they recognize that not everyone has the resources or capacity to replicate their journey. They advocate for stronger government support to provide sustainable livelihood options and capacity building for residents of Uttarakhand.
“Our dream is not just to revive one village but to inspire a movement across the hills,” says Deepti. “Uttarakhand has so much to offer, but we need to nurture it with care and wisdom.”
The Road Ahead
The journey of Major Gorki and Deepti Chandola is a testament to the power of partnership and perseverance. By combining tradition with innovation, they have not only rebuilt their ancestral village but have also laid a foundation for sustainable development in Uttarakhand.
As the state grapples with the challenges of climate change and migration, the Chandolas’ story serves as a beacon of hope. Together, they are not just reviving Rawat Gaon—they are preserving the heart and soul of Uttarakhand for generations to come.
Also Read : The Story of Baijnath: Ancient Temples, Divine Legends, and Himalayan Beauty