Reading Himalaya is an independent Research & Policy Consultancy focusing on society, environment, development, and politics of the Himalayan region.
We offer a comprehensive suite of research services, providing end-to-end solutions that span from data collection to actionable insights. Our services cover diverse sectors, ensuring data-driven results that address both current and emerging challenges.
Grounded in rigorous research, Reading Himalaya offers thought leadership and data-driven perspectives, tailored specifically to the unique challenges of the Eastern Himalaya.
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 an all-women-led consultancy focussing on development, politics, and environment in the Eastern Himalaya. Founded by researchers from Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong respectively, Reading Himalaya is deeply committed to research-driven outcomes as a pathway towards strengthening and supporting our communities, organisations and institutions.
At Reading Himalaya we believe that best social science research — methodologically sound, rigorous, socially-driven, and accessible — can inform and enhance knowledge, empower communities, and promote equity and social justice. We are equally motivated in encouraging and supporting knowledge production in and on the region, especially by emerging research scholars from the region.
Reading Himalaya has been established with the explicit aims of:
Helmed by researchers with over a decade of experience in academia, industry, academic publications and not-for-profit sector within India and abroad, Reading Himalaya 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 a deep understanding of the unique challenges and dynamics of the Eastern Himalaya, we bring extensive experience in data collection, analysis, and the dissemination of research findings. Our expertise spans a wide range of sectors, allowing us to provide high-quality, independent research and policy support tailored to the specific needs of each project. We offer comprehensive services across the entire research and policy life cycle—starting from the conceptualization and design phase, through the planning and execution of fieldwork, to the delivery of final reports and actionable policy recommendations.
Our approach is rooted in a commitment to delivering thorough and insightful outputs that directly inform decision-making processes. Whether the project is large-scale or small, we pride ourselves on providing end-to-end solutions that are customized to the scale and objectives of each initiative.
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