Mussoorie loses its global brand ambassador with the passing of Padma Shri Hugh Gantzer

By Sunil Sonkar

MUSSOORIE, 3 Feb: A wave of grief has swept through Mussoorie following the death of renowned English travel writer, environmentalist, and Padma Shri awardee Hugh Gantzer. He breathed his last at the age of 94 at his residence, Oak Brook, on Kincraig Library Road. With his passing, not only Mussoorie, but the world of literature and travel journalism in India and abroad has lost a personality who gave global recognition to India’s cultural heritage.
Hugh Gantzer, who served as a Commander in the Navy, made Mussoorie his permanent home after retirement. From here, he and his wife, Colleen Gantzer, gave a new dimension to travel writing. For the past five decades, this couple was dedicated to bringing India’s unexplored tourist destinations, heritage, and culture to the world.

The contribution of Hugh and Colleen Gantzer can be gauged from their more than 30 books, thousands of articles, and 52 documentaries broadcast on Doordarshan. Their works presented India not just as a tourist destination, but as an experience. For this contribution, the couple was awarded the Padma Shri on Republic Day in the field of travel journalism.

Renowned author, litterateur, and historian Ganesh Saili, while remembering Hugh Gantzer, said that he called Mussoorie his ‘home’. He kept a close eye on every small and big activity of the city. The Gantzer family was an active center of social and literary activities, and with his passing, Mussoorie has truly become poorer.

Hugh Gantzer will be remembered not only as a writer but also as a protector of Mussoorie. When the existence of the hills was threatened by limestone mining and uncontrolled construction in Mussoorie, he raised his voice. Due to his efforts, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi banned mining in Mussoorie. As a member of the monitoring committee constituted under the supervision of the Supreme Court, he played a crucial role in protecting Mussoorie from environmental degradation.

According to locals, Hugh Gantzer was not just a writer, but like a family member. Sending gifts on Diwali and Christmas was his tradition. He had a special fondness for sweets, and his interest in people’s joys and sorrows made him unique.

Hugh Gantzer’s wife, Colleen Gantzer, passed away on November 6, 2024. Now this historic couple has been immortalized in memories forever. His funeral will be held tomorrow morning at the family plot in the Camel’s Back Cemetery. All political parties, social organizations, literary figures, and citizens have expressed deep sorrow and offered condolences on his passing. Mussoorie has lost not just a writer today, but a part of its soul.