2022 though begun on a fearful note remains another year, another hope. We list for you eight incredible royals, young and promising who will make the year a success story in their journey towards perfection.
PRINCESS DIYA KUMARI OF JAIPUR:
A custodian of Jaipur’s rich cultural heritage, the torchbearer for girl’s rights in Rajasthan, a member of parliament who won with a thumping majority from Rajsamand, a strong voice for BJP in Rajasthan and a philanthropist who, through her, NGO PDKF has empowered hundreds of women in Rajsamand and Sawai Madhopur, Diya Kumari is emerging as a leader to watch out for. The torchbearer for the role royals can play in present-day politics.
HH MAHARANI RADHIKARAJE OF GAEKWAD:
The palace is alive once again: with the sound of music, the patronage of craft and the promise of philanthropy. The Laxmi Vilas Palace at Baroda has become an oasis of craft and culture under the patronage of its Maharani Radhika Raje. Possibly the strongest voice in craft revival today, Radhika is as vocal in saving our animals as she is committed to the cause of women empowerment. Through the pandemic, she worked hard to support those truly marginalised like the LGBTQ community of Gujarat. May she continue to play her role of the protagonist to perfection.
PRINCESS MRIGANKA KUMARI OF PRATAPGARH:
Tucked away in rural regions of Avadh, Pratapgarh is finding itself in the midst of refined living with its Princess Mriganka Kumari presenting to the world an amazing array of honey, ghee, pickles and salts that are produced under her stunningly curated label Pratapgarh Collective. Following 100 percent natural processes, this farm-to-table story is cultivated by women of the village who now stand tall on their independent feet and has found their way to the dining table of film stars, leading influencers and connoisseurs of true taste.
PRINCESS VAISHNAVI KUMARI OF KISHANGARH:
Legacy is for most royals to keep, but turning it into a mystical fable is Princess Vaishnavi Kumari of Kishangarh. Heir to the legacy of miniature art personified by Kishangarh’s Radha, Vaishnavi, a SOAS graduate is all set to present before the world her creative oeuvres with art this year. We wish her all the best. Known for its pichwais, its Kamdhenu cow and its valorous, playful Krishna, this art form under Vaishnavi has adapted a more pop approach. Deeply inspired by Pakistan’s reigning pop art, she hopes to add this element to Kishangarh miniatures.
YUVRAAJ VIKRAMADITYA SINGH OF J&K:
Home to his family Karan Mahal is now a beacon of heritage luxury for the world to see. The Yuvraaj of Jammu & Kashmir paves the way for inherited homes to turn into cordon bleu luxury homes that also houses nostalgia and memorabilia in many ways. Karan Mahal, all of seven keys sits on the saddle between two hills—one of them the Shankaracharya peak—of the Zabarwan mountain range. Nearly 60 acres of orchards and woods surround it. With Covid driving the world towards terrains more serene, and Kashmir opening up, this heritage hotel promises to be the toast of 2022.
JEMA AKSHITA BHANJDEO OF MAYURBHANJ:
The title of a princess who cares sits best on her able shoulders. Akshita Bhanjdeo has made it to many glossy covers as not just a perfect host in her majestic Mayurbhanj home, now a heritage property. But also as someone who has emerged a strong voice in the world of sustainable and slow fashion. The project Karkhana chronicles taking the grass-root craft to Haute, stylish levels.
HH MAHARANI PRIYARAJE SCINDIA OF GWALIOR:
Born into the Gaekwad legacy of Baroda and married to the dynamic aviation minister of India, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Priyaraje is an educationist, a culture protagonist, and a heritage promoter who is quietly working towards bringing world-class experiences to her land of Madhya Pradesh. A strong believer in promoting experiential tourism, she is all set to emerge as a strong voice in this realm.
MAHARAJA CHAITANYA RAJ OF JAISALMER:
Last year changed his life forever placing this young lad all of 24 into the seat of power after his father passed away. Chaitanya Raj Bhati’s swearing-in was covered extensively by the media. Now at the helm of his family’s varied businesses he is also getting set to promote the life of his people in Jaisalmer. The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls being one of his most commendable contributions as a young Maharaja.
A project initiated by the international non-profit organisation CITTA, and operated by its India’s arm, it is located near the village of Kanoi, Jaisalmer. Donated by Chaitanya Raj Singh it has his total attention. Best of luck to the young Maharaja who is trying to fit into his inherited throne.
