Reading Himalaya is an independent Research & Policy Consultancy, focusing on Himalayan society, environment (physical & urban), development and politics.
We are an evidence-based, multimodal platform for social sciences research and policy on the eastern Himalayan regions of India (Sikkim, Darjeeling & Kalimpong), Bhutan and Nepal.
We are an evidence-based, multimodal platform for social science research on the eastern Himalayan regions of India (Sikkim, Darjeeling & Kalimpong Himalaya) Bhutan and Nepal.
Reading Himalaya is based on the belief that the best social science research –methodologically sound, rigorous, socially-driven, accessible— can inform and enhance knowledge, leading to outcomes that are more impactful, relevant and reflective of social reality.
At Reading Himalaya, while we are invested in research-driven outcomes, we are equally motivated in being equal participants in knowledge production in and on the region. As researchers from the region, we bring our extensive empirical expertise along with research training and experience to the Reading Himalaya platform to Connect, Create and Contribute towards research and researchers in the eastern Himalaya.
Reading Himalaya has been established with the explicit aims of:
The Eastern Himalaya continues to attract international and national researchers, development practitioners, corporate and government research projects which are effective opportunities for research-based employment and networking. Yet, for many researchers who cannot find employment in colleges and universities, there are often no viable, financially-sustainable research careers at the end of their studies. In effect, local researchers lack opportunities to utilise their research skills and experiences in their home regions. Many change careers, or are underemployed in some other sector, while many more out-migrate to other states within India.
This situation is also exacerbated by limited training in research capacity-building especially in terms of preparing for publications, project management, and verbal and written research presentation techniques. Thus, in the Eastern Himalaya, we are faced with the twin issues of (i) lack of financially-sustainable research careers and (ii) inadequate training in research publication and practice. Having worked in research and with researchers, students from the region, we recognize these issues intimately.
For us, as researchers with over a decade of experience in academia, industry, academic publications and not-for-profit sector within India and abroad, Reading Himalaya therefore presents an opportunity to Connect, Create and Contribute towards research and researchers in the Eastern Himalaya.
We want to Connect different aspects of Himalayan life and society through research that is interdisciplinary, impactful and accessible to all, Create space and opportunities for researchers to engage in meaningful, financially-sustainable research careers in the region, and to Contribute towards building the capacity of researchers so that they can reach their full potential.
Reading Himalaya is based on the belief that the best social science research –methodologically sound, rigorous, socially-driven, accessible— can inform and enhance knowledge, leading to outcomes that are more impactful, relevant and reflective of social reality.
At Reading Himalaya, while we are invested in research-driven outcomes, we are equally motivated in being equal participants in knowledge production in and on the region. As researchers from the region, we bring our extensive empirical expertise along with research training and experience to the Reading Himalaya platform to Connect, Create and Contribute towards research and researchers in the eastern Himalaya.
The Eastern Himalaya continues to attract international and national researchers, development practitioners, corporate and government research projects which are effective opportunities for research-based employment and networking. Yet, for many researchers who cannot find employment in colleges and universities, there are often no viable, financially-sustainable research careers at the end of their studies. In effect, local researchers lack opportunities to utilise their research skills and experiences in their home regions. Many change careers, or are underemployed in some other sector, while many more out-migrate to other states within India.
This situation is also exacerbated by limited training in research capacity-building especially in terms of preparing for publications, project management, and verbal and written research presentation techniques. Thus, in the Eastern Himalaya, we are faced with the twin issues of (i) lack of financially-sustainable research careers and (ii) inadequate training in research publication and practice. Having worked in research and with researchers, students from the region, we recognize these issues intimately.
For us, as researchers with over a decade of experience in academia, industry, academic publications and not-for-profit sector within India and abroad, Reading Himalaya therefore presents an opportunity to Connect, Create and Contribute towards research and researchers in the Eastern Himalaya.
We want to Connect different aspects of Himalayan life and society through research that is interdisciplinary, impactful and accessible to all, Create space and opportunities for researchers to engage in meaningful, financially-sustainable research careers in the region, and to Contribute towards building the capacity of researchers so that they can reach their full potential.
Mountain flavour : Chimphing (Heracleum nepalense) © Mona Chettri
As regional experts with extensive experience in data collection, analysis, and dissemination, we offer high-quality independent research and/ or assistance on research projects and policy reports, briefings. We offer end-to-end outputs (from research design, fieldwork arrangements to reports, policy recommendations) for projects of different sizes and scale.
We are driven by the desire to generate interest and build research capacity of young scholars, while delivering high-quality outputs. We conduct trainings and workshops for college and university students on all aspects of research – methodology, conducting fieldwork, academic writing and publications. These trainings and workshops are aimed at enhancing the research skills and competencies of students, and preparing them for a career in academia.
The eastern Himalaya continues to attract international/national researchers, development practitioners, corporations and government officials from across the country. Cultural understanding is vital to how networks and relationships are established and is often the key to successful research and policy outcomes. We make it easy to access and navigate across the eastern Himalaya through our immersive cultural trainings. These intensive courses encompass the different aspects of the socio-economic, political and cultural aspects of the region. They are designed with our experience, and knowledge as locals, and delivered with the aim of accentuating your professional experience in the eastern Himalaya.
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