Book on Pahadi language, folk literature launched

The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla, today hosted the launch of the book “Himachali Pahadi Bhasha: Lipiyan aur Loksahitya,” authored by Prof Om Prakash Sharma, Tagore Fellow at IIAS and a distinguished scholar of folk languages.

The book, rooted in an extensive study of Himachal Pradesh’s mountain languages, scripts and folk literature, offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s linguistic traditions, cultural diversity and the emotional depth of its folk life.

The ceremony was presided over by Prof Shashiprabha Kumar, Chairperson, IIAS, while Prof Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, Director of the Institute, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The event began with the felicitation of guests, followed by an engaging presentation by Prof Sharma, who shared insights into his research process and the motivation behind the book. The formal release of the book followed.

Dr Karm Singh, former Secretary, Himachal Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, presented an in-depth review, describing the book as a scientific and insightful effort to understand the structure and folk expressions of Himachali dialects. Dr Chetram Garg, Director, Thakur Ramsingh Institute of Historical Research, Neri, praised it as a valuable contribution toward reinterpreting Himachali folk traditions.

Prof Vidya Sharda, former Head of Sanskrit, Himachal Pradesh University, noted that the work beautifully captures the connection between folk wisdom and linguistic diversity. Dr Radha Raman Shastri, former Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly and former Education Minister, emphasised that such research-based works are vital for preserving and enriching India’s cultural identity.

In his address, Prof Chaturvedi remarked that the languages and folk literature of the Himalayas form the “heartbeat of our cultural existence,” adding that their preservation is both a linguistic and cultural duty.

Presiding over the event, Prof Shashiprabha Kumar lauded the book as an outstanding confluence of language, culture and tradition, and congratulated Professor Sharma for his significant scholarly contribution to the understanding of Himachali heritage.