The Himalayas never fails to evoke wonder.

Historian John Keay took audiences on a journey of the geophysical, historical, environmental, and social wonders of the Himalayas in his session at MBIFL with a special focus on his book, ‘Himalaya: Exploring the Roof
of the World’

He spoke about his early memories of Kashmir, calling it "paradise on earth", and how the beauty of Srinagar had captured his heart. He shared his experiences of feeling at peace among the rolling hills, reminiscent of his homeland Scotland. His passion and knowledge about the region were on full display.

"History has not been kind to Himalaya,” he said.

The author delved into the unique physical and geological history of the Himalayas, including its formation from the collision of tectonic plates and the impact of Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift. The theory was once discredited but is now widely accepted as responsible for creating the stunning geography of the Himalayas.

His book has a vibrant narrative that navigates through the lives of characters, a different approach to telling history. Keay emphasized that he considers himself a history writer rather than an academic historian. He spoke about how he had immersed himself in the rich history and culture of the Himalayas, spending years researching and exploring the region, meeting the people who lived there and learning about their lives. He also
does not forget to mention the spiritual aspect of the pilgrimage to the Himalayas.

As Keay described the diverse landscape of the Himalayas, from its snow- capped peaks to its lush valleys, and the proud people who call it their home, the audience was transported to a world of stunning beauty and
resilience. He talked about the challenges faced by the people who lived in the region, from harsh weather conditions to political unrest, and how they were adapting and preserving their heritage despite the difficulties. The population of Kashmir has shown steady growth over the past years due to migration. He said that the Himalayas should be treated with utmost ecological care just as Antarctica is.

The talk took on a more serious tone when the audience asked about the environmental issues concerning the region, including the problems at Joshimath and the impact of human activities on the delicate ecosystem. He spoke about the importance of conservation and sustainable development, and how it was it was important to preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Himalayas for future generations.