A felicitation ceremony was held today at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Rashtrapati Nivas, Shimla, to mark the publication of a new book by Dr. Akhilesh Pathak, Public Relations Officer of the Institute. The Director of IIAS, Professor Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, congratulated Dr. Pathak on the release of his book “Devbhoomi ki Aatma: Himachal Pradesh ki Lok Sanskriti, Sangeet, Kala aur Utsavon ki Ek Samagra Yatra”, which documents the rich folk culture, music, art and festivals of Himachal Pradesh.
Dr. Pathak was felicitated in the presence of all Section Officers of the Institute. On the occasion, he presented a copy of the book to Professor Chaturvedi. The book was recently launched at Shimla’s historic Gaiety Theatre.
After reviewing the book, Professor Chaturvedi appreciated the depth of research and the sensitive approach adopted by the author. He said the publication vividly presents the cultural diversity, traditions and folk heritage of Himachal Pradesh. “This book will be immensely useful for researchers, students and academicians, while also helping general readers connect with the cultural soul of Devbhoomi. Such scholarly and creative contributions further enhance the intellectual and cultural stature of the Institute,” he remarked.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Akhilesh Pathak said the book is the result of long-term research, extensive travel and lived experiences related to folk life, folk music, traditional arts and festivals across various regions of Himachal Pradesh. He described the work as a humble effort to preserve the state’s cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations.
Dr. Pathak expressed special gratitude to Professor Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi for his guidance, encouragement and trust, stating that the work would not have been possible without his support. He also thanked his colleagues, officers and the entire IIAS fraternity, along with his family, for their constant encouragement and cooperation. He further acknowledged Satluj Prakashan, the publisher of the book, for its support throughout the publication process.
Officers from different sections of the Institute attended the ceremony and congratulated Dr. Pathak on his literary achievement. The programme concluded in a cordial and inspiring atmosphere, reflecting IIAS’s continued commitment to the promotion of literature, culture and research.
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