Exploring the Mystical Himalaya

Vishwambhar Prasad Sati, born in 1966, holds a Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) and Ph.D. degrees, currently serving as a Senior Professor of Geography and Resource Management and Dean of Faculty, School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resources Management at Mizoram University, a Central University in Aizawl, India. With nearly three decades of teaching experience, he has contributed to various higher education institutions within and outside India, including the Eritrea Institute of Technology in Asmara, Eritrea (NE Africa), the Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment in Chengdu, China, and HNB Garhwal University in Srinagar Garhwal. Throughout his illustrious career, he has actively engaged in research, holding prestigious positions as a Presidential (PIFI) Fellow/Visiting Professor (2016) ‘Chinese Academy of Sciences’ (CAS), Visiting Scientist (2014) ‘Chinese Academy of Sciences’, Visiting Scholar (2010) ‘The World Academy of Sciences’ (TWAS), Visiting Scientist (2012) ‘Indian National Science Academy’ (INSA), General Fellow (2008-2009) ‘Indian Council of Social Science Research’ (ICSSR), and Associate (2008) ‘Indian Institute of Advanced Study’ (IIAS). He is recognized as 0.5% researchers of the world and 50 top influential academicians of India. Furthermore, he has received recognition for his contributions, including a Visiting Professor Award from the Ministry of Education and Science at Lviv Polytechnic National University in Lviv, Ukraine, IMPRI India, a Best Paper Award from Natural Hazards Research (an Elsevier Journal), Best Presentation Award in the International Conference, held at Jurich, Switzerland, and the title of Senior Global Fellow from the Grassroots Institute in Canada. His extensive academic travels, spanning 58 countries and all over India, have contributed to his comprehensive understanding of diverse geographical landscapes. Additionally, he has successfully supervised over 17 Ph.D. scholars. His expertise lies in Natural Resource Management, Environment-Development Interface, Climate Change, Rural Livelihoods, Disaster-Related issues, and the Culture of the Himalayan region. Vishwambhar Prasad Sati has developed numerous models and action plans for environmental conservation and economic development in the fragile Himalayan ecosystems. His impactful contributions extend to more than 200 research papers and articles and over three dozen published books (10 books published by Springer Nature), establishing his academic legacy at both national and international levels.

• Preface.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Hari Ki Dun: The Valley of Lord Vishnu.- 3. The Legends of Kedarkhand: A Journey through the Himalayan Abode.- 4. Manaskhand: The Climax of Nature and Culture.- 5. In the Land of Lamas.- 6. Shiva and Vishnu: Unity and Continuity Through the Kali Gandaki River.- 7. Harmony in the Himalaya: Buddhism and Bhutan.- 8. Beyond Borders and Culture.- 9. Conclusions.