Book Launch of Himachali Pahadi Bhasha: Lipiyan aur Loksahitya held at the IIAS, Shimla
The Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Rashtrapati Niwas, Shimla, hosted the launch ceremony of the book “Himachali Pahadi Bhasha: Lipiyan aur Loksahitya” authored by Professor Om Prakash Sharma, Tagore Fellow of the Institute and an eminent scholar of folk languages.
The book is based on an in-depth study of various mountain languages, scripts, and folk literature of Himachal Pradesh. It explores the linguistic traditions, cultural diversity, and the emotional dimensions of the region’s folk life in a scholarly and comprehensive manner.
The ceremony was presided over by Professor Shashiprabha Kumar, Chairperson of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, while the Director of the Institute, Professor Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The event began with the welcome and felicitation of the guests, followed by an insightful presentation by Professor Om Prakash Sharma on the background and research process of the book. Subsequently, the book was formally released.
Dr. Karm Singh, former Secretary, Himachal Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, presented a detailed review of the book, describing it as an effort to understand the structure, linguistic form, and folk expressions of Himachali dialects through a scientific lens.
Dr. Chetram Garg, Director, Thakur Ramsingh Institute of Historical Research, Neri, appreciated the work as an important contribution towards the reinterpretation of Himachali folk traditions.
Professor Vidya Sharda, former Head of the Department of Sanskrit, Himachal Pradesh University, remarked that the book captures the relationship between folk knowledge and linguistic diversity with remarkable sensitivity.
Dr. Radha Raman Shastri, former Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly and former Education Minister, observed that such research-based works are essential for the preservation and enrichment of India’s cultural identity.
In his address, Professor Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, Director, IIAS, stated –
“The languages of the Himalayas and their folk literature are the heartbeat of our cultural existence. Their preservation is not merely a linguistic responsibility but a cultural obligation.”
In her presidential address, Professor Shashiprabha Kumar described the book as an excellent example of the confluence of language, culture, and tradition, and congratulated the author for his significant scholarly contribution.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Mehar Chand Negi, Secretary of the Institute. The proceedings were conducted by Public Relations Officer Akhilesh Pathak. The ceremony witnessed the presence of a large number of scholars, researchers, writers, and media representatives.
