Renowned travel writer and Padma Shri awardee Hugh Gantzer breathed his last at his residence in Mussoorie late Monday evening, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary and documentary work. He was 95 years old.
A Lifetime of Accolades and Recognition
Hugh Gantzer, along with his late wife Colleen Gantzer who passed away earlier in 2024 at the age of 90, was the recipient of numerous prestigious honors throughout their illustrious careers. Beyond the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, the couple was recognized with six national awards, the National Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the All India Anglo-Indian Association, and two gold awards from the Pacific Asia Travel Association.
In a significant acknowledgment of their contributions, the Prime Minister's Office commended the Gantzers in 2017 for their pioneering work in the field of travel writing, which helped shape India's tourism narrative for decades.
A Prolific Career Spanning Five Decades
The Gantzers' journey into travel writing began when the India Tourism Development Corporation commissioned them to author a book on Kerala. This initial project sparked a remarkable career that spanned over fifty years.
During this period, the couple produced an impressive body of work that included:
- 52 documentaries for Doordarshan, bringing India's diverse landscapes and cultures to television audiences
- More than 30 books covering various aspects of Indian travel and heritage
- Regular travel columns for several leading English newspapers, where their unique perspective and engaging writing style captivated readers
A Son's Tribute to His Parents' Legacy
Peter Gantzer, the author's son, shared heartfelt memories of his parents, describing his father as "a passionate man, defined by his love of writing and deep curiosity about the world."
"He lived with great pride in what he had built and gratitude for the blessings he had received," Peter said. "He and my mother were inseparable, spending their lives weaving together their love for one another with their zeal for travel. I can only hope they are together again now, at peace."
Final Resting Place and Naval Service
The burial for Hugh Gantzer will take place on Wednesday at the historic Camel's Back Cemetery in Mussoorie, where he spent much of his life. Before his writing career, Gantzer served with distinction in the Indian Navy, achieving the rank of Commander and serving as Judge Advocate of the Southern Naval Command.
Environmental Stewardship and Family Heritage
Since 1990, Gantzer had been serving as a member of the monitoring committee constituted by the Supreme Court to track environmental issues in the Doon Valley and Mussoorie region, demonstrating his commitment to preserving the natural beauty he so often wrote about.
Born and raised in Mussoorie, Gantzer hailed from an influential Danish family with deep roots in India. His great-great-grandfather was an officer in the Danish court who arrived in India during the early 19th century.
His father, Joseph Francis Gantzer, served as the director of survey in Bihar and Orissa under the British government. After retirement, Joseph chose to settle in Mussoorie, where he was elected chairman of the Mussoorie Municipal Council in 1941 and later served as its administrator.
Mussoorie Bids Farewell to a Beloved Chronicler
As news of Hugh Gantzer's passing spread through the hill station, residents gathered to bid a tearful farewell to the writer who had chronicled India with rare warmth, wit, and insight. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian travel writing, but his extensive body of work ensures that his unique perspective on India's landscapes and cultures will continue to inspire future generations of travelers and writers alike.
