Central University of Haryana Hosts Seminar on Himalayan Pastoralism

Mahendergarh, Haryana: The Department of Sociology, Central University of Haryana (CUH) organized an insightful seminar on “Challenges to and Transitions in Himalayan Pastoralism” featuring Dr. Vasant Saberwal, noted political ecologist and Director, Centre for Pastoralism, New Delhi. The event drew an enthusiastic audience of over 100 participants including faculty members, scholars, and students.

The seminar commenced with the screening of the acclaimed documentary Turf Wars, filmed inside the Great Himalayan National Park. The film vividly portrayed conflicts between conservation laws and the livelihood rights of pastoral communities, raising crucial questions on issues such as overgrazing claims, restricted forest access, and the disregard for indigenous ecological knowledge.

In his keynote address, Dr. Saberwal dismantled long-held myths about pastoralism, emphasizing that Himalayan herding communities are “ecologically rational, not backward.” He traced misconceptions to colonial-era forestry policies and urged policymakers to recognize pastoralists as key environmental stewards. Despite the shrinking of traditional grazing routes and challenging terrain, he asserted that pastoralism remains both economically viable and ecologically sustainable, even attracting migrant labour.

Dr. Saberwal highlighted that pastoralism supports rotational grazing systems that sustain fragile mountain ecosystems while contributing to livestock production, agriculture, and high-value herb collection. He noted the growing market interest in pastoral products, such as the expanding camel-milk economy in Kachchh, as evidence of its continuing relevance. He encouraged CUH students to pursue research and internships on pastoralism, blending academic insight with field engagement.

Faculty members contributed diverse perspectives to the discussion, including Dr. Tirtharaj Bhoi, Dr. Abhiranjan Kumar, Ms. Shweta Sohal, Dr. Dushyant Panwar, Dr. T. Longkoi Khiamniungan, and Ms. Tanvi Bhati. Students engaged actively, posing questions on modernization, livelihood futures, conservation ethics, and development politics, transforming the session into a dynamic forum of ideas.

The discussion also underscored the need for empathetic policymakers and civil servants who collaborate with communities rather than viewing them as obstacles. The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Yudhvir, who appreciated the speaker’s thought-provoking insights and the active participation of the CUH academic community.

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