Sangita Jindal's love for Hampi started many decades ago

Sajjan and Sangita Jindal are vocal about their adoration for Hampi – so much so that they even had their last New Year’s party at this heritage location. But, for Sangita, her love for the ruined city started many decades ago.

At the recent Times Literature Festival, Sangita spoke about her love for the ancient city which she first visited in 1983. “My husband and I were going to build a plant near Karnataka and while we were there, there wasn’t much work for me to do. So, I asked if there were any temples nearby that I could visit.” The locals told her there were some ruins nearby. “I went and I was so fascinated with this whole realm to Hampi. The people told me there was a foreigner [author George Michell] who also there who was trying to improve Hampi. So I decided to meet him.”

At first, Michell was hesitant, Jindal laughs and recalls. “He asked ‘Why have you come here? Do you know anything about Hampi?’ When I said no, he gave me a book to read and finally when he realised I had the perseverance, we spoke about how we could all help restore Hampi. And we haven’t looked back since.”