30 experts from 9 states take part in conference on Himalayan legacies

A three-day National Conference on “HIMALAYAN LEGACIES: Exploring Histories, Heritage Practices and Cultural Futures” kicked off in Chamba on Monday. Scholars, researchers and cultural practitioners from nine states of India are participating in the event being jointly organised by the Bhuri Singh Museum, Chamba, and NotOnMap, to mark the 117th foundation year of the museum.

The aim of the conference is to explore the multi-faceted histories, heritage and cultural transformations of the Himalayan region. It has brought together 20 eminent experts from nine states.

Hari Chauhan, curator of the Himachal Pradesh State Museum, Shimla, inaugurated the conference. Retired Joint Director of Higher Education Vidya Sagar Sharma; Mohinder Slariya, Principal of Government College, Salooni; and Kanwar Dinesh Singh, Principal of Government Degree College, Dhami, were special guests. Co-founder of NotOnMap Manuj Sharma was also present on the occasion.

The conference opened with an inspiring inaugural address by chief guest Hari Chauhan that set the stage for a series of enlightening discussions and presentations. “With focus on safeguarding both tangible and intangible heritage, the conference intends to bridge traditional knowledge with contemporary challenges, fostering a greater understanding of the region’s evolving cultural identity,” he said. “The Himalayas have always been a cradle of rich traditions, profound spiritual practices and unique craftsmanship,” he added.

Chauhan said, “The pace at which the ongoing development is reshaping our landscapes, we must find innovative ways to protect and sustain these precious legacies. Development has not only affected the fragile ecology and environment of the Himalayas, which is culminating in the form of natural disasters but also contaminated our cultural heritage.”

He said, “This conference is a significant step towards re-imagining how we can preserve and nurture our cultural identity for future generations.” He also appreciated the “Chalo Chamba” Campaign started by NotonMap to preserve and introduce the culture and customs of the district to the world.

Surender Thakur, curator of the Bhuri Singh Museum, said that the conference was not just a gathering of minds, but a “celebration of our collective cultural wisdom”. “The conference will over the next three days explore historical narratives, preservation of indigenous languages, folk traditions and sustainable cultural practices. The participants will also delve into the challenges the Himalayas face in the wake of climate change, urbanisation and economic pressures, all while exploring avenues for cultural revival and community resilience,” he added.

Mohinder Slariya chaired the first session of the conference — “Reading Himalayan Histories: Sources, Silences and Representations” while Kishori Chandel, Assistant Professor History, Government Degree College, Chaura Maidan, Shimla, presided over the second session — “Mapping the Mountains - Geographies: Geographies, Boundaries and Visual Histories”.