HIMALAYAN STUDY CIRCLE
Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi
About the Himalayan Study Circle
The Himalayan Study Circle (HSC) at Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi is an interdisciplinary academic platform dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of the Himalayan region through teaching, research, dialogue, field-based learning and community engagement.
Recognising the Himalaya as a complex socio-ecological and cultural system of global significance, the Study Circle brings together faculty members and students from diverse academic disciplines to examine the region through multiple and complementary perspectives.
HSC functions as an academic platform rather than a conventional extracurricular society, emphasising research, teaching enrichment, intellectual dialogue, field-based learning and knowledge creation.
Areas of Functioning
- 1 Himalayan Ecology & Biodiversity
- 2 Climate Change & Environmental Sustainability
- 3 Geography, Geology & Natural Resources
- 4 Society, Communities & Livelihoods
- 5 History, Culture & Heritage
- 6 Economy, Tourism & Sustainable Development
- 7 Governance, Public Policy & Strategic Affairs
- 8 Technology, Data & Emerging Research Methods
- 9 Literature, Media & the Arts
- 10 Health, Well-being & Mountain Resilience
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
To serve as a forum for interdisciplinary scholarship, knowledge exchange and experiential learning on the Himalaya. We aim to:
- Foster interdisciplinary teaching and research on Himalayan issues
- Promote field-based and experiential learning
- Develop student research, writing, data-analysis and communication skills
- Document local knowledge, cultural traditions and environmental change
- Build linkages with universities, research institutions, government and civil society
Our Vision
To develop Deshbandhu College as a significant centre for interdisciplinary Himalayan scholarship, student research and public engagement.
We seek to contribute to a better understanding of the Himalayan region and to informed public discourse on its ecological, cultural, social and developmental future, with a commitment to sustainable and inclusive Himalayan development.
Organizing Committee
The faculty team leading the Himalayan Study Circle.
Prof Kumar Shantanu
Himalayan Study Circle
Deshbandhu College,
University of Delhi
Prof I M Rocky
Himalayan Study Circle
Deshbandhu College,
University of Delhi
Prof Umesh Kumar
Himalayan Study Circle
Deshbandhu College,
University of Delhi
Dr Ashutosh Kumar
Himalayan Study Circle
Deshbandhu College,
University of Delhi
Dr Madhu Rani
Himalayan Study Circle
Deshbandhu College,
University of Delhi
Dr Valte
Himalayan Study Circle
Deshbandhu College,
University of Delhi
Dr Anjana Singh
Himalayan Study Circle
Deshbandhu College,
University of Delhi
Dr Debashree
Himalayan Study Circle
Deshbandhu College,
University of Delhi
MoU Signed
Formal academic collaboration supporting joint programmes, expert lectures, research and field studies.
Centre for Himalayan Studies, University of Delhi
Proposed Outreach & Activities
Research, teaching enrichment, intellectual dialogue and field-based learning, open to faculty and students across disciplines.
E-Magazine
A digital publication showcasing student and faculty writing, field notes, photo essays and research on the Himalaya.
- Newsletters & student research compilations
- Annual Himalayan Studies Review / Research Bulletin of Deshbandhu College
Student Activities
Student-led platforms to engage, create and compete around Himalayan themes.
- Student Himalayan Research Forum & annual Research Award
- Quizzes, debates, essay, poster & photography contests
- Documentary screenings and a monthly Reading Circle
Research Work
Collaborative, interdisciplinary research across departments, including work with the Centre for Himalayan Studies, DU.
- Joint research projects & working papers
- Faculty Research Colloquium
- Heritage & cultural documentation: oral histories, traditional knowledge
Workshops
Short, hands-on and certificate-oriented capacity-building workshops.
- GIS, remote sensing & data visualisation
- Field survey & ethnographic methods
- Scientific writing, research proposals & grant writing
Seminars & Conferences
Forums that bring scholars, practitioners and policymakers into dialogue with students.
- Himalayan Lecture Series
- Interdisciplinary Himalayan Seminar & Policy Dialogue
- Annual Delhi Himalayan Studies Conclave
Field Visits
Short field visits and study tours, subject to institutional permissions and funding.
- Biodiversity, watershed, livelihoods, tourism & heritage themes
- Virtual field studies using GIS, satellite imagery and expert interactions
Annual Flagship: Himalayan Week
Seven days bringing several of these activities together at Deshbandhu College.
Follow us on Instagram
Latest updates, events and field stories from the Himalayan Study Circle.