The Himalaya is an integral part of the natural habitat of India and some other neighbouring countries. It ensures rain in the field areas, and many rivers coming out from the Himalayas, including Ganga, are the basis of life and civilization in north India. The Himalayas have also been a source of cultural identity, not only for people who are living in this region but also for the people of other parts of the country. In this context, the two volumes under review are really important because they convey to readers the history, environment, culture, and struggle of people in this region. The two volumes of Dastan-e-Himalaya are compilations of the renowned scholar and activist Shekhar Pathak’s articles written in the last almost forty years. Pathak has been known for his continuous writings and works related to the protection of the natural environment of the Himalayas and his concern to make the lives of the people of the Himalayas region, particularly Uttarakhand, better. He has continuously raised his voice against the different social problems in this region and emphasized the need to defend crucial cultural values.
December 2022, volume 46, No 12