The Third International Conference on Rigvedic Himalaya (ICRH-025) was successfully held in Pokhara, Nepal, from 7–9 December 2025, marking another significant milestone in the ongoing intellectual and cultural journey of the Rigvedic Himalaya initiative. In collaboration with Gaurishankar Multiple Campus (GMC, TU) Mukta Foundation, Pokhara, organized this conference, also in collaboration with other leading academic and public institutions, including Gandaki University (GU), Institute of Forestry Pokhara Campus (IOFPC/TU) and others the conference reaffirmed the Himalaya as a living archive of Vedic knowledge, cultural continuity, ecological wisdom, and spiritual imagination.

The conference was formally inaugurated by the Honorable Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City Mr. Dhana Raj Acharya, through the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and collective enlightenment. In his inaugural address, the Mayor extended his best wishes for the success of the conference and acknowledged the growing academic importance of the Rigvedic Himalaya initiative. Emphasizing Pokhara’s position as the tourism capital of Nepal, he highlighted the city’s rich cultural heritage, natural environment, and spiritual landscape as vital resources for sustainable development. He further expressed his commitment to working closely with Mukta Foundation in advancing research and dialogue on culture, environment, and tourism, affirming the municipality’s readiness to collaborate in transforming scholarly insights into meaningful policy and practice.

Advancing a Shared Intellectual Vision

Building upon the foundations laid by ICRH-023 (2023) and ICRH-024 (2024), this year’s conference further consolidated Rigvedic Himalaya as a cultural concept—one that bridges ancient textual traditions with contemporary Himalayan lifeworlds. The thematic focus on Himalayan cultures, ecology, spirituality, and cultural tourism, with particular emphasis on the Kaligandaki and Seti–Gandaki river basins, enabled rich interdisciplinary engagement across anthropology, philosophy, environmental sciences, tourism studies, and indigenous knowledge systems.

Academic Engagement and Scholarly Exchange

ICRH-025 featured more than 50 academic papers and lectures, presented both in-person and online by scholars from Nepal and abroad. The conference hosted two keynote addresses by Ven. Swami Ekarthananda (Ramakrishna Ashram Nepal) and Prof. Rupa Bhaty (Institute of Advanced Sciences, USA), offering profound reflections on Vedic philosophy, Himalayan symbolism, and contemporary relevance.

There were special lectures by the distinguished professionals, including Prof. Dr. Indra Prasad Tiwari, Chancellor of Gandaki University, and Prof. Dr. Shreekrishna Shrestha, which were highly inspiring to the young scholars. Presentation and dialogue sessions, “exploring the Vedas” and “Himalayan cultures and spiritualities”, with Prof. Krishna Chandra Sharma (PhD), Prof. Rishi Ram Regmi (PhD), and Prof. Binod Pokharel (PhD)  added a rare philosophical depth to the conference, bridging scholarly inquiry with lived wisdom. In addition, thematic sessions and panel discussions explored the Kaligandaki and Seti–Gandaki river basins as cradles of Himalayan civilization and as emerging spaces for spiritual and cultural tourism. 

In addition, thematic sessions and panel discussions explored the Kaligandaki and Seti–Gandaki river basins as cradles of Himalayan civilization and as emerging spaces for spiritual and cultural tourism.

Beyond the Conference Hall

One of the defining features of ICRH-025 was its experiential dimension. Field visits, cultural exhibitions, and site-based learning—including interactions on topics such as Tibetan Buddhism, community forestry, ecological stewardship, and cultural landscapes—extended academic discussions into the lived environments of the Himalayas. The optional third-day annex program facilitated dialogues with the Gandaki Province Government and the Pokhara Metropolitan City, focusing on policy perspectives and future possibilities for sustainable cultural and spiritual tourism.

Publications and Knowledge Dissemination

The conference also marked the launch of the second volume of the Journal of Rigvedic Himalaya and the release of an edited volume by Sahadev Gautam, reflecting the conference’s commitment to long-term academic contribution and documentation. These publications aim to serve as enduring resources for scholars, students, and practitioners engaged in Himalayan studies.

Collaboration and Collective Effort

ICRH-025 was made possible through the collaborative efforts of University Grants Commission (Nepal), Gandaki University, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus (TU), Pokhara Metropolitan City, Gandaki Pragya Pratisthan, Gaurishankar Multiple Campus, and numerous academic, cultural, and civil society partners. The conference witnessed participation from over 150 students, faculty members, researchers, and practitioners, demonstrating the growing relevance and reach of the Rigvedic Himalaya platform.

The Conference Organizing Team extends heartfelt gratitude to all keynote speakers, panelists, presenters, session chairs, advisors, institutional partners, volunteers, and students, whose intellectual engagement and collective commitment made ICRH-025 a meaningful success. Special thanks goes to:

Ripu Kunwar (PhD), Florida Atlantic University

Narayan Pd. Gautam (PhD), IOFPC (TU), Pokhara

Prof. Bir Bdr. Khanal Chhetri, IOFPC (TU), Pokhara

Prof. Prem Sharma (PhD), TU

Shreekanta Khatiwada (PhD), IOFPC (TU), Pokhara

Jit Narayan Shah (PhD), IOFPC (TU), Pokhara

Krishna Pd. Poudel, Campus Chief, GMC, Hemja Pokhara

Asst. Prof. Anju Upadhaya, IOFPC (TU), Pokhara

Shankar Mani Tripathi, GSA, Hemja, Pokhara

Govinda Nepali (PhD), Kathmandu University

Netra Achary (PhD), Lumbini Buddhist University

Honb’l DB Nepali (Member of CA)

Mr. Punya Poudel (Former DDC Chairman, Kaski)

Asst. Prof. M. Faruk Hossain, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh

Marianna Cerrina, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy

Looking Ahead

As the Rigvedic Himalaya initiative moves forward, the insights, dialogues, and collaborations generated during ICRH-025 will continue to inform future research, policy engagement, and cultural discourse. The conference reaffirmed that the Himalaya is not merely a geographical space, but a civilizational landscape—where Vedic thought, ecological knowledge, and cultural practices continue to shape contemporary realities.

The Fourth International Conference on Rigvedic Himalaya (ICRH-026) is scheduled to be held in 2026, in collaboration with the Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, further strengthening the dialogue between ecology, culture, and society.

We look forward to continued engagement, collaboration, and shared learning as we carry this journey forward.