The first ever ‘REX Karamveer Puruskar’ recipient couple, who adopted two villages - The Kudles

S1 E3: Preservationists, nature lovers, eco-activists and change makers, presenting The Kudles, Sunita & Amarjeet Kudle, proud owners of La Villa Bethany. La Villa Bethany is a boutique homestay in the foothills of the Himalayas. A heritage property built in 1905 by Dr. Frandsen Walburg, a Dutch-American medical missionary. This old English cottage, originally called Bethany (the Biblical name for rest and healing), was a home for leprosy patients until 1963 when it was gifted to a Christian mission. In 2009, the mission decided to resell it, and Sunita (Ex-ITC) and Amarjeet Kudle (Ex- Oberoi), took it on a long-term lease of 40 years. Leaving their flourishing careers behind, they saw this as an escape route from urban insanity. Being professionals in hospitality, they decided to revamp the place into a homestay, which became functional in 2011. The property practices sustainable and responsible tourism, using organic, chemical-free items and supporting NGOs that work with underprivileged women in Uttarakhand. They are the first ones to put up a solar water heater in Landor, they have adopted and given livelihood to villages, lead massive reforestation drives in Mussoorie & Landor and are recommended as the best practice case study for the Uttarakhand Jal Board, for their rain water harvesting initiatives. The property has won over 26 national and international awards in the last 12 years of its operation, including the prestigious ‘REX Karamveer Puruskar’ in 2014. Listen to the touching and inspiring insights of these phenomenal people. 🎧 Podcast streaming on YouTube & Spotify on my channel "Migrating Occult" You can check my website https://eunoiasur.com/ for more info on my podcast, blogs, pictures and printables. My social media handles are - Insta @migratingoccult Insta @eunoiasur Facebook - Surabhi Gupta Linkedin - Surabhi Gupta