In her Footsteps: Great Women in the Himalayas | A Tribute to Alexandra David-Neel

Throughout the Himalayas, extraordinary women have shaped the region’s cultural, educational, spiritual, political, and economic life. A seminar is being held in memory of Alexandra David-Neel, who spent over three years in Sikkim in the early 20th century. The seminar is also a celebration of all visionary women—past and present—who have left a lasting impact on the Himalayan region.

Under the scientific direction of Swiss anthropologist and Tibetologist Anna Balikci-Denjongpa, renowned for her research on Sikkimese culture, Himalayan societies, and Buddhist traditions, this two-day seminar will bring together fifteen French, Indian, and Himalayan scholars. The event will also feature a photo exhibition, lectures, discussions, and a film on Alexandra David-Neel, designed for a general audience.

Exhibition: 08-10 April 2026
Symposium: 09-10 April 2026

The event is in collaboration with the French Embassy in India, French Institute in India, French Consulate General in Kolkata, Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT) in Gangtok, Government of Sikkim - Department of Culture and the Embassy of Switzerland in India under the Sustainability with a plus initiative.