Gangtok, April 9 (IPR): A symposium titled “In Her Footsteps: Great Women in the Himalayas – Remembering Alexandra David-Neel” was held at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT), Gangtok, today.
The inaugural session commenced with the lighting of ceremonial lamps followed by a prayer by monks.
The session was attended by MLA, Rumtek-Martam Constituency, Mr Sonam Tshering Venchungpa, and His Eminence Kyabje Lachen Dungsey Ongdalak Rinpoche as the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest, MLA, Rumtek-Martam Constituency, Mr Sonam Tshering Venchungpa, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to attend the symposium. He stated that the programme reflects the shared cultural and historical traditions of Buddhism and the Himalayan region. He spoke on the life and contributions of Alexandra David-Neel and noted her association with Sikkim, where her engagement with local communities and scholars contributed to her understanding of Buddhist philosophy and practices.
He further stated that women in the Himalayan region have played a significant role in sustaining social and cultural life through their work, knowledge and responsibilities. He noted that India remains rich in cultural diversity and emphasised that the values of Buddhist philosophy, including compassion, discipline and harmony, continue to guide society and promote peaceful coexistence. He also highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage and knowledge systems for future generations.
Concluding his address, he expressed his appreciation to the ambassadors, delegates and participants for their presence and contribution to the symposium.
Addressing the gathering, His Eminence Kyabje Lachen Dungsey Ongdalak Rinpoche expressed his appreciation to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology for organising the symposium and welcomed the dignitaries and participants. He spoke on the importance of spiritual traditions in guiding ethical conduct and maintaining balance in contemporary society.
Rinpoche stated that teachings of Buddhism continue to provide direction in addressing present-day challenges and emphasised the need to preserve and transmit knowledge through dialogue and learning. He further noted that the discussions held during the symposium would contribute to strengthening understanding of cultural and spiritual traditions and encourage continued research and reflection.
Ambassador of France to India, His Excellency Dr Thierry Mathou, in his address, stated that such academic initiatives strengthen cultural understanding and international collaboration. He noted that Alexandra David-Neel’s work represents an important link between India and Europe and reflects a shared intellectual heritage. He further stated that continued dialogue through such platforms supports research, cultural exchange and mutual understanding among nations.
Earlier, Director, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Dr Passang D. Phempu, delivered the welcome address and welcomed the dignitaries, scholars and participants.
Research Consultant, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Convenor of the Symposium, Dr Anna Balikci Denjongpa, introduced the symposium and outlined its theme, highlighting the relevance of examining the contributions of women in the Himalayan region.
The technical session featured presentations by Ms Jeanne Mascolo de Filippis on Alexandra David-Neel, Dr Rachel Guidoni on Lama Yongden, Dr Jigmee Wangchuk on the Third Lachen Gomchen Rinpoche, and Ms Katia Thomas Rai on Alexandra David-Neel’s memories of Himalayan women.
In the post-lunch session, Session I on “Royal Women in the Himalayas”, chaired by Dr Anna Balikci Denjongpa, included presentations by Ambassador of France to India, Dr Thierry Mathou, on Rani Choying Wangmo Dorji, and Ms Françoise Pommaret on the First Royal Ladies of Bhutan.
This was followed by Session II on “A. David-Neel and Her Sikkimese Circle”, chaired by Ms Katia Thomas Rai.
Presentations included Ms Jeanne Mascolo de Filippis and Mr Samuel Thévoz on Alexandra David-Neel in Sikkim, Dr Rachel Guidoni on “The Incredible Yet Unknown Destiny of Lama Yongden”, and Dr Jigmee Wangchuk Bhutia on “Wisdom from the Himalayas: Lachen Gomchen Rinpoche and the transmission of Vajrayana Buddhism”.
The programme was attended by Her Royal Highness Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuck of Bhutan, Former Judge, High Court of Sikkim, Mr S P Wangdi, Director General of Police, Government of Sikkim, Mr Akshay Sachdeva, Ambassador of France to India, His Excellency Dr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of Switzerland to India, Her Excellency Ms Maya Tissafi, Ambassador of Belgium to India, His Excellency Mr Didier Vandenhasselt, Country Director, French Institute in India, Mr Grégor Trumel, Consul General of France in Kolkata, Mr Thierry Morel, along with officials from the State Government, delegates from other countries, dignitaries, speakers, presenters and research scholars.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Head of Department, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Dr Tsewang Gyatso Bhutia.
The symposium will continue on April 10 with the following thematic sessions:
Session III on “Women and Social Change in the Himalayas”, chaired by Ms Françoise Pommaret:
• Ms Katia Thomas Rai on Alexandra David-Neel and the women of Tibet.
• Ms Dolma Roder and Ms Kunzang Choden on Contestation, Continuity and Matrilineal Inheritance in Central Bhutan.
• Ms Pema Lhazom Namgay on Himalayan Women, Yaks, and Digital Lives: Gendered pastoralism in transition.
Session IV on “Women and the Arts in the Himalayas”, chaired by Ms Monisha Ahmed:
• Ms Françoise Robin on Tibetan literary traditions.
• Ms Yangchen Dolkar Gurung on women artists in sacred spaces of Upper Mustang.
Session V on “Women and Institutional Buddhism”, chaired by Mr Norbu Gurung:
• Ms Nicola Schneider on Buddhist nuns’ educational trajectories.
• Ms Sonam Gaychen Wangdi on Lachen Mani Lhakhang.
Session VI on “Women from Afar in the Himalayas”, chaired by Ms Françoise Robin:
• Ms Rigzin Chodon on Moravian missionary accounts in Ladakh and Kyelang.
• Ms Monisha Ahmed on the legacy of Li Gotami.
Following the symposium, the French delegation visited the Orchidarium at Ridge Park, Gangtok. The delegation was briefed on the collection and conservation of orchids in the State by the officials present at the site.
The visit highlighted Sikkim’s biodiversity and ongoing efforts in preservation and research.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK