केसरिया बालम आवो नी पधारो म्हारे देश
केसरिया बालम आवो नी पधारो म्हारे देश
“Shekhawati is not just where I come from — it’s where tradition meets vision, and art meets enterprise.”
“From the frescoed walls of Shekhawati to the rhythmic echoes of folk songs, Rajasthan lives in every step I take.”
I was born and raised in Nawalgarh, a culturally vibrant town in the Shekhawati region of Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan — a land that doesn’t just preserve its legacy in frescoed havelis and painted walls, but lives through the enduring success of its people in business, education, science, and public service. Often celebrated as the "Open Art Gallery of India," Shekhawati has shaped not only my surroundings, but also my spirit. Beyond my scientific pursuits, I carry within me the essence of Rajasthan’s colors, music, folk tales, and resilience — a heritage that continues to guide how I think, create, and live.
“Nawalgarh isn’t just a town — it’s a living museum where every wall speaks.”
Known for its ornately frescoed havelis, such as:
Podar Haveli Museum
Morarka Haveli
Aath Havelis
Rooted in the artistic soil of Shekhawati, my journey carries the legacy of a region where heritage and progress coexist seamlessly. Here, frescoed walls are not just artistic expressions but symbols of a mindset that values enterprise, intellect, and service. From global business empires to national leadership in science, governance, and education, Shekhawati continues to inspire generations — and I feel proud to be part of this living tradition.
Shekhawati is famously known as the birthplace of India’s business elite. Many of the country’s most influential industrial families trace their roots here:
Morarka Family – Philanthropy, agriculture, and education pioneers (from Nawalgarh)
Podar Family – Founders of renowned educational and commercial institutions
Kanoria Family – Leaders in finance, textiles, and chemical industries
Mittal Family – Global steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal has ancestral ties here
Piramal Family – Pharmaceutical and real estate giants
Birla Family – The legendary industrial house originates from nearby Pilani
Rakesh Jhunjhunwala – Celebrated investor and philanthropist; hailing from a Marwari Shekhawati lineage with deep roots in entrepreneurship
“Shekhawati’s merchant legacy transformed India's industrial future — but its spirit runs equally deep in intellectual and national service.”
Nawalgarh, often called the "Open Air Art Gallery of India," is also a celebrated filming location. It has featured in films like:
🎬 PK, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Kesari, and Love Aaj Kal etc.
While known for business brilliance, Shekhawati has equally contributed to India’s scientific, educational, and political evolution:
🧠 Academia & Science
🔬 Dr. Ghasi Ram Verma (Tetarwal) – Mathematician & philanthropist from Jhunjhunu
Taught at the University of Rhode Island (USA) for 36 years; donated ₹5+ crore to hostels, schools, and literature in Rajasthan
🔬 Dr. G.D. Agarwal – IIT-Kanpur Professor & environmental activist from Kandhla
Known for Ganga River conservation and service at CPCB
🏛 Dr. V.K. Saraswat – Ex-DRDO Chief; Member, NITI Aayog (from Churu)
Architect of India's missile program (Agni series)
🧪 Dr. R.C. Mital – Ex-Director, CEERI Pilani
Pioneer in electronics and supporter of Shekhawati's research talent
📚 Dr. Dinesh Singh – Ex-Vice Chancellor, Delhi University
With academic roots tied to Rajasthan & BITS Pilani circles; innovator in higher education
🛡️ Civil Services & Public Administration
🏅 Om Prakash Meena (IAS) – Former Chief Secretary, Rajasthan (Jhunjhunu)
🧭 Akhil Arora (IAS) – Principal Secretary, Finance, Rajasthan (Churu)
🕊 Rajeev Swarup (IAS) – Chairperson, Rajasthan Education Board (Sikar)
🧑✈️ Rajendra Singh Shekhawat (IPS) – Special DG, CRPF (Shekhawati region)
🗳 Shishram Ola – Veteran freedom fighter & Union Cabinet Minister (Jhunjhunu)
Served under multiple Prime Ministers; champion of labor and rural upliftment
🇮🇳 Jagdeep Dhankhar – Hon'ble Vice President of India (Kithana, Jhunjhunu)
Former Governor of West Bengal, Parliamentarian, and constitutional scholar
🗳 Narendra Budania – Former MP & Rajya Sabha member (Churu)
Advocate for farmers and rural development
🗳 Subhash Maharia – Ex-Union Minister of State for External Affairs (Sikar)
🗳 Bhanwar Lal Sharma – Senior leader & former Cabinet Minister, Rajasthan
🗳 Ram Narayan Chaudhary – Gandhian reformer and freedom fighter (Sikar)
“In Shekhawati, walls speak in paintings — but its people speak through innovation, education, and service.”
BITS Pilani (Founded by Birla Family) – India’s premier private science & tech university
CSIR-CEERI, Pilani – Electronics research hub contributing to national defense & semiconductor innovation
Seth Gyaniram Bansidhar Podar Institutions (Nawalgarh) – Among India’s earliest private education systems
Dozens of Navodaya Vidyalayas and army schools across the region, preparing youth for top institutions
Seema Mishra
Mame Khan
Allah Jilai Bai
Kheta Khan
Prakash Mali
Dapu Khan
Miniature, Phad, Pichwai & Kishangarh Paintings – Storytelling through intricate brushwork
Mandana Art – Ritualistic and geometric floor paintings
Blue Pottery & Block Printing – Timeless utility meets design
Bandhani & Mirror-embroidered Textiles – Iconic fashion from the land
Meenakari & Thewa Jewelry – Delicate enamel and gold artistry
Marble Sculptures & Woodwork – Spirituality carved in stone and timber
Ghoomar – Grace in circles, often seen at weddings
Kalbelia – The serpentine rhythm of the desert tribes
Bhavai & Chari – Balance, elegance, and symbolism
Kachhi Ghodi & Terah Taal – Bravery and rhythmic coordination
Chang & Fire Dance – Vibrancy and raw energy during festivals