Lokmat Deepotsav captures exhaustive NH44 through 11 states in 35 days

Lokmat, Maharashtra and Goa’s No1 newspaper, is presenting another edition of its much awaited and largest circulated Marathi Diwali annual: Deepotsav. The magazine is edited by Aparna Valenkar who is a Sahitya Academy award winning prolific writer herself.

Deepotsav is credited with editorial innovations and setting up new standards in Indian regional publishing. This year the annual is crossing the magic sales figure of 200,000 copies, a huge fit for Marathi publication and  has a unique blend of ideas, people and places at the crossroads.

Ratan Tata explaining a key difference between "Creativity" and "Chaos"… Priscilla Chan taking us through her life and future plans with Mark Zuckerberg… Priyanka Chopra sharing why she feels STILL the same… Ruskin Bond taking us on a walk down the beautiful memory lane… Girija Devi reflecting on her rich life and exquisite times on the banks of Ganges in Banaras… Vikku Vinayakam explaining the magic of two earthen pots that took the world on a storm.

NH44  - When a Highway Tells the Tale: 3745 Kilometers.. 11 States... 35 Days.... and 7 Mad People

An account of a fascinating road-trip on National Highway 44 that runs from Kanyakumari to Srinagar : This is  once in a life time journey : Of Places, People and our beloved country : INDIA 

A team of 7 maverick reporters who traveled across 11 states nonstop for 35 days over 3745kms to present to its readers how India has changed in last 25 years.

This is first of its kind initiative undertaken by any Indian Media house and is widely appreciated.

This year the book is also available online on deeposav.lokmat.com and across all Crossword stores in Mumbai and Pune. It is priced at Rs.200

Speaking about Deepotsav, a project close to his heart, Mr. Vijay Darda, Chairman, Lokmat Media Pvt Ltd said that, “This year with NH44, I wish to personally congratulate my team for this stupendous feat which is a true commitment of Lokmat Media in showcasing the hidden gems within our country. This and the rest of the content truly provides our Marathi readers international level content in their own language. With 1^st of its kind inputs, each year the attempt is to present something unique. This book has grown with support of all our readers across Maharashtra. ”

As mentioned by Aparna Valenkar, Editor, Lokmat Deepotsav, It’s very heartening to get the torrential responses from readers who always look up to Deepotsav for its editorial innovations. My team has done a fantastic job of traveling across country and we have bag full of stories collected on the way: stories of grit and ambitions that suggests, even though facing sharp discrimination on all levels; “Bharat” is clearly taking on “India” with its zest and determination.

This annual is a collection of inspirational stories and insights into the lives of renowned stalwarts from various walks of life and it also peeks into the psyche of our neighbours: Pakistan and China.