91 YO freedom fighter, Rama Khandwala, is the oldest tour guide in India. Besides also being a former freedom fighter, the old lady is also in a class by herself, simply unputdownable! In fact, she recently won a few awards, one of them being the best tourist guide award.
A Brief History
Rama was born into a wealthy family in Burma in 1926, and her tryst with the Indian Freedom Struggle is quite fascinating. In fact, she was also one of the millions of sepoys; besides also serving as a nurse in a military hospital.
Additionally, she was also part of the INA, where she served as Second Lieutenant and commanded 30 Ranis. Which, by the way, she claims still keeps her going since the training was intense and unforgettable.
How It All Changed
Rama was put under house-arrest after World War II, however, she was approached by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to join politics. Yet, all that changed when the government took out an ad requesting people to join in as tour guides. And she happily applied for it!
So, even today you’ll find her taking tourists on tours across India.
And if you want, you can read more about her here.
Images’ Courtesy | Conde Nast Traveller India
