The Himalayas are more than a geographical marvel—they are a living cultural landscape where myth, memory, and nature converge. This session explores how the region’s ecological richness is interwoven with centuries of storytelling, art, and tradition. Through dialogue with artists, scholars, and knowledge keepers, we delve into the Himalayan imagination and its power to shape sustainable futures.
Session Objectives:
- To explore the deep interconnection between the Himalayan environment and its rich cultural and artistic heritage,
- To document and discuss historical narratives and indigenous knowledge systems that have shaped the region’s ecological and cultural consciousness.
- To highlight the role of art—particularly miniature painting and folk expressions—in preserving ecological memory and identity across Himalayan communities.
- To engage with historians, environmentalists, folklorists, and artists in dialogue about sustaining the intangible heritage of the Himalayas in the face of modern challenges.
- To promote cross-disciplinary understanding and collaboration among scholars, practitioners, and community custodians working at the intersection of environment, culture, and traditional knowledge.
- To inspire new ways of integrating indigenous wisdom and artistic expression into contemporary conservation and development practices.
Who Should Join:
- Folklorists and Cultural Historians interested in Himalayan narratives, oral traditions, and community memory.
- Environmentalists, Ecologists, and Nature Writers focused on traditional ecological knowledge and biocultural landscapes.
- Independent Artists and Miniature Painters working on or inspired by Himalayan themes and heritage.
- Researchers and Academics in the fields of anthropology, history, cultural studies, and environmental humanities.
- Students and Scholars of art history, environmental studies, and Himalayan studies.
- Storytellers, Curators, and Archivists engaged in preserving and promoting indigenous and vernacular heritage.
- Policy Makers and Conservationists seeking community-based and culturally rooted approaches to Himalayan sustainability.
- General Enthusiasts and Cultural Explorers passionate about the Himalayas’ diverse legacies and living traditions.
Experts Guiding This Session:
Shri Kalyan Singh Rawat Environmentalist and educator Uttarakhand (Padma Shri Awardee)
Shri Vijay Sharma, Miniaturist & art historian, Himachal Pradesh (Padma Shri Awardee)
Shri Vijay Sharma, Miniaturist & art historian, Himachal Pradesh (Padma Shri Awardee)
Sri. Kalyan Singh Rawat, known as "Himalaya ke Harit Nandan," is a prominent Indian environmentalist and educator from Uttarakhand. He founded the Maiti Movement in 1995, which has transformed afforestation in India by connecting tree planting with social customs, especially marriage.
His initiative has expanded to over 6,000 villages i
Sri. Kalyan Singh Rawat, known as "Himalaya ke Harit Nandan," is a prominent Indian environmentalist and educator from Uttarakhand. He founded the Maiti Movement in 1995, which has transformed afforestation in India by connecting tree planting with social customs, especially marriage.
His initiative has expanded to over 6,000 villages in 18 states and five countries, resulting in the planting of hundreds of thousands of trees while promoting environmental awareness and women’s empowerment. Recognized with the Padma Shri award, Mr. Rawat exemplifies grassroots eco-activism and continues to inspire efforts for a sustainable future.
Shri Vijay Sharma, Miniaturist & art historian, Himachal Pradesh (Padma Shri Awardee)
Shri Vijay Sharma, Miniaturist & art historian, Himachal Pradesh (Padma Shri Awardee)
Shri Vijay Sharma, Miniaturist & art historian, Himachal Pradesh (Padma Shri Awardee)
Vijay Sharma is an internationally acclaimed miniature painting artist and a recipient of the Padma Shri award. He has dedicated over 30 years to preserving and promoting Pahari-style miniature paintings. His intricate artworks have gained recognition and have been featured in exhibitions across Europe and the United States.
A passionat
Vijay Sharma is an internationally acclaimed miniature painting artist and a recipient of the Padma Shri award. He has dedicated over 30 years to preserving and promoting Pahari-style miniature paintings. His intricate artworks have gained recognition and have been featured in exhibitions across Europe and the United States.
A passionate fan of Hindi cinema, Vijay created a notable piece inspired by Gulzar’s first poem for the screen, which led to a memorable meeting with the lyricist. Additionally, he is committed to educating future generations about this traditional art form through his NGO, Shilpa Parishad. His contributions have earned him significant accolades
Dr. Madhuri Barthwal, Folk singer, composer & teacher (Padma Shri Awardee)
Shri Vijay Sharma, Miniaturist & art historian, Himachal Pradesh (Padma Shri Awardee)
Dr. Madhuri Barthwal, Folk singer, composer & teacher (Padma Shri Awardee)
Madhuri Barthwal is a celebrated folk singer and music composer from Uttarakhand, India. With a remarkable career spanning over 45 years, she is recognised as the first woman to become a music composer for All India Radio. She is regarded as a trailblazer for female musicians in her region. Her dedication to preserving and promoting Utta
Madhuri Barthwal is a celebrated folk singer and music composer from Uttarakhand, India. With a remarkable career spanning over 45 years, she is recognised as the first woman to become a music composer for All India Radio. She is regarded as a trailblazer for female musicians in her region. Her dedication to preserving and promoting Uttarakhand’s rich folk music has had a significant impact on the field.
In addition to her musical contributions, Madhuri has made her mark as an educator, becoming one of the first female music teachers from Uttarakhand. In recognition of her contributions to music and society, she was awarded the prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskar by then-President Ram Nath Kovind on International Women's Day in 2019. Madhuri Barthwal continues to inspire countless individuals through her passion for music and her commitment to cultural heritage.
Sandeep Badoni Assistant Professor SGRR University in Dehradun
Sandeep Badoni Assistant Professor SGRR University in Dehradun
Dr. Madhuri Barthwal, Folk singer, composer & teacher (Padma Shri Awardee)
Sandeep Badoni is an Assistant Professor of Management at SGRR University in Dehradun. He possesses a deep passion for heraldry, epigraphy, numismatics, and vexillology, with a particular focus on the study of symbols. Sandeep is dedicated to researching indigenous knowledge heritage, especially within janjatiya communities. His advocacy
Sandeep Badoni is an Assistant Professor of Management at SGRR University in Dehradun. He possesses a deep passion for heraldry, epigraphy, numismatics, and vexillology, with a particular focus on the study of symbols. Sandeep is dedicated to researching indigenous knowledge heritage, especially within janjatiya communities. His advocacy centres on the preservation and integration of traditional practices with contemporary systems. Through his work, he highlights the significance of ecological wisdom and the necessity of sustainable practices for future generations.
Anshu Mohan Pahari Minature Artist, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Sandeep Badoni Assistant Professor SGRR University in Dehradun
Anshu Mohan Pahari Minature Artist, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Anshu Mohan is an accomplished artist whose work is celebrated and represented in several prestigious collections, including the Kangra Art Museum in Dharamshala and the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya in Bhopal. Their art can also be found in various institutions across Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, showcasing a rich c
Anshu Mohan is an accomplished artist whose work is celebrated and represented in several prestigious collections, including the Kangra Art Museum in Dharamshala and the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya in Bhopal. Their art can also be found in various institutions across Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, showcasing a rich cultural heritage. Notable collections include the Himachal Pradesh Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, ITM University, and the Kerala Folklore Academy. His commitment to exploring and preserving traditional art forms has garnered recognition and appreciation in the contemporary art scene.
Contact Us
Ms. Baljinder Kaur ( Reena ), Assistant Professor, School of Design, UPES, Dehradun.
Mail: baljinder.kaur@ddn.upes.ac.in
10 September 2025 | 10-11:55 AM | Buzz, Bidholi Campus-UPES.
