It was the year1975. My uncle, a biochemist at Armed Forces
Medical College, Pune presented my mother this book, a book
which has been his favorite since its publication. Lost Horizon
written by James Hilton was published in 1933.After reading the
book; I had asked my uncle, the reasons for it being so special.
He looked into my eyes and said ‘I believe in Shangri – La, It
does exist.’ It struck me so strange because I harbor the same
feelings till today. He retired as a Principal Defense Scientist
and his specialty in High Altitude Physiology and Medicine took
him to remote Himalayan areas, only to be mystified by a sheath
of preservation, a place that stood the test of reckless time.
As with the other utopias, Lost Horizon is perhaps not a pure
invention. It may be based on traditions long current in the Far
East of a hidden paradise. Early Buddhist writings call it Chang
Shambhala and describe it as a source of ancient wisdom. Belief
in it was once wide-spread—in China, the Kun Lun Mountains were
rumored t