Himalaya, "The abode of snow", is the mountain system in Asia, which form a continuous arc along the northern periphery of the Indian subcontinent, from the Indus River in the northwest to the Brahmaputra River in the east. Himalayan region is rich in both natural resources and cultural heritage. The population, settlement, and economic growth in the Himalaya have been greatly affected by variations in geographical set up and climate, which impose harsh living conditions but people living in remote and inaccessible areas have conserved and maintained their cultural distinctiveness. However there is need to help Himalayan people by improving their life, by making them aware about new discoveries, new technology and imparting employable skills. This formed the basis of setting up a research centre in the Himachal Pradesh University, which can act as a nucleus of research and academic activities and can cater to the informational needs of stakeholders. In order to create an integrated knowledge base and evolve strategies for the development of Himalayan region and its people, the Himachal Pradesh University made a sincere effort and submitted a proposal to UGC for setting up a Centre of Excellence in its campus. After the visit of UGC committee in February, 2002, the Institute of Integrated Himalayan Studies came into existence from April, 2002. I thank the University Grants Commission (UGC) for selecting the Himachal Pradesh University as a UGC Centre of Excellence.

The Institute of Integrated Himalayan Studies, UGC Centre of Excellence, is one of its kind in Himachal Pradesh and the Himalayan region which aspires to bring whole of the Himalayan region under its gambit. Established in the premises of Himachal Pradesh University, the Institute is playing an important role in long-term sustainable development of Himalayan region. The institute is carrying out research as per the thrust areas identified by academicians of the University and further approved and modified by the UGC.

The institute provides opportunity and environment that promotes liberty of looking into the concerns of societal issues in Himalayan regions. The institute, since its inception, is bringing out the hidden treasure into limelight which will enable the Himalayan communities to tread the path towards prosperity. The institute believes in originality and in building and inspiring a strong sense of purpose. It shoulders the responsibility of channelising information and data for effective decision making essential for sustainable development in the Himalayan regions. The Institute has made tremendous stride since its beginning. The setting up of this institute has added significance as the researchers, policy makers, developmental agencies and business community who are getting the required information about Himalayas under one roof. The institute is generating and synthesizing the knowledge required to utilize the Himalayan resources more effectively and more efficiently. The institute is playing an important role by bringing into limelight the significance of unexplored areas relating to men and materials of Himalayan region. It further proposes to provide inputs for systematic planning and implementation and also evolve strategies for an all-round development of Himalayan region in general and Himachal Pradesh in particular. Learners of all types and communities, particularly living in Indian Himalaya are important users of this institute. The institute is following and honoring the principles of academics, honesty, freedom, objectivity and integrity, with regards to its research and extension activities. It is functioning on the principles of rigorous research based on reason and scientific principles and is giving due regard to spiritual knowledge and religious beliefs of Himalaya.

The institute further needs to bring out applicable research which compliments and supplements the efforts of state government in framing policies which have a long term impact on development at state and national level. The sincere and committed efforts of the Director of the institute, Prof. Vidya Sharda are applaudable. The institute has a very committed team which under the guidance of the Director is capable of achieving all that it strives for. I wish good luck to the Director and her team in their future endeavors.

Prof. Sunil Gupta
President
IIHS