Munish Sood
Mandi
In an inspiring example of courage, entrepreneurship and connection to one’s roots, a young woman from Himachal Pradesh has turned her back on a comfortable career in metropolitan cities to build a sustainable venture in her homeland near Mandi.
Sanjana, who once worked as a physics professor in cities like Bangalore and Delhi, chose a very different path when she decided to leave her established career and return to the hills of Himachal with a vision to create something meaningful for society.
A few years ago, while living a professionally stable life in the metro cities, Sanjana felt a growing desire to reconnect with nature and her roots in Himachal Pradesh. The pull of the mountains and the dream of building something close to the community eventually led to a life-changing decision.
Together with her husband, an engineer and MBA professional, she decided to leave behind the fast-paced urban lifestyle and move back to their homeland near Mandi. The decision surprised many around them.
“People often asked why we would leave a secure career and the comforts of city life,” Sanjana recalls. “But sometimes dreams are stronger than fear, and we wanted to build something that connects people with nature and the local community.”
From this vision emerged “The Royal Cascade,” a farm-to-table restaurant located in Nerchowk that focuses on fresh local produce, sustainability and a nature-friendly lifestyle. Built with a philosophy of respecting nature and promoting locally sourced food, the venture has gradually become a unique destination in the region.
But for Sanjana, entrepreneurship was never just about business. It was also about creating a platform where people—especially women—can connect, share experiences and inspire each other.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, she organized a special event titled “Nari Shakti Samaroh” at The Royal Cascade, bringing together women from Mandi, Nerchowk and Sundernagar to celebrate the strength, achievements and contributions of women in society.
The program aimed to encourage women to step beyond their comfort zones and explore opportunities in entrepreneurship, leadership and community participation.
The event featured insightful and informative sessions by prominent women doctors from the region who shared their knowledge on various aspects of women’s health and well-being.
Dr. Reena, a gynecologist and obstetrician at the Medical College in Nerchowk, spoke in detail about women’s health awareness and guided participants on important stages of life including pre-menopausal, menopausal and post-menopausal health care.
Dr. Durgesh, an associate professor at the same institution, spoke about the importance of mental strength, emotional balance and overall well-being for women navigating the challenges of modern life.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ibhya, a postgraduate student in the Department of Periodontology and Oral Implantology at Himachal Dental College, Sundernagar, delivered an engaging session on the role of oral health in maintaining confidence, strength and overall wellness.
The sessions were widely appreciated by the participants, many of whom described the discussions as both educational and motivating.
During the event, special appreciation was also extended to women entrepreneurs and professionals who have stepped beyond traditional boundaries and worked hard to transform their ideas into reality.
As a gesture of gratitude, the guest speakers were honoured with mementos in recognition of their valuable contribution and efforts to spread awareness among women.
The celebration concluded on a joyful note with music, dance and an interactive community gathering where participants shared their experiences and strengthened social bonds. Guests later enjoyed a farm-fresh lunch prepared at The Royal Cascade, reflecting the restaurant’s concept of locally sourced food and sustainable living.
For Sanjana, the event was not just a celebration but a reminder of the immense potential women hold when they support and inspire each other.
“Women are one of the strongest pillars of society,” she said. “When women step forward, take leadership and pursue their dreams, entire communities move forward.”
Her journey—from metro city classrooms to building a nature-driven venture in the hills—stands today as a powerful example of how courage, vision and connection to one’s roots can create meaningful change.
