14th Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum Opens at TISS Guwahati with a Celebration of Communities, Culture and Indigenous Futures
The 14th Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum (EHNF) 2026 commenced today at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Guwahati, with a day dedicated to Communities, Culture and Indigenous Futures. Organised by Balipara Foundation in collaboration with TISS Guwahati, under the overarching theme “Future of the Third Pole and the Himsagar,” the opening day brought together discussions on indigenous identities, cultural heritage and community knowledge, alongside interactive workshops celebrating the traditional arts and crafts of Northeast India.
The opening day highlighted the importance of indigenous communities in preserving the Eastern Himalaya’s cultural diversity, traditional knowledge systems and enduring relationship with nature. Sessions explored the connections between community identities, cultural practices and indigenous perspectives, emphasising the role of local knowledge and community leadership in shaping inclusive and sustainable futures. Reflecting on this connection between identity and tomorrow’s possibilities, Debdoot Mohanty, Chief Operating Officer, Tata Steel Foundation, said, “Indigenous identity is the foundation upon which our future is built.” His Excellency Eric Garcetti also underscored the importance of living in harmony with the natural world, observing, “Human beings have an instinct to coexist with nature. Prosperity, health and safety are the priorities.”
A key highlight of the day was a series of hands-on workshops celebrating the living craft traditions of Northeast India. Participants engaged with pottery, mask-making inspired by the artistic traditions of Majuli, bamboo weaving, and natural tie-and-dye techniques. The workshops offered an opportunity to experience traditional skills and materials while recognising the artisans and communities who continue to sustain these practices across generations.
The programme also celebrated the cultural richness of communities across the Eastern Himalaya, bringing attention to the colours, crafts and living heritage of the Northeast. Beyond their artistic value, these traditions reflect relationships with local landscapes, the sustainable use of natural materials and the transmission of knowledge across generations.
The discussions underscored the importance of recognising indigenous knowledge and cultural inheritance as integral to the region’s ecological resilience and development. They also drew attention to the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the many forms of life they sustain. Highlighting the ecological importance of wetlands, Dr. Barkha Subba, Conservation Scientist and Whitley Award Winner from Darjeeling, noted, “Wetlands are not home to just one species; they are home to diverse forms of aquatic life.” By bringing together dialogue and experiential learning, the opening day created space to reflect on how traditional practices can inform contemporary approaches to sustainability while ensuring that communities remain central to decisions affecting their futures.
The opening day set the context for five days of interdisciplinary engagement across five leading academic institutions in Guwahati. Following the TISS programme, Cotton University will host discussions on Forests and Biodiversity on 31 October; IIT Guwahati will focus on Water and Energy on 1 November; Gauhati University will host Sustainable Land Futures on 2 November; and Assam Royal Global University will conclude the Forum on 3 November with Green Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Through the 14th edition of EHNF, Balipara Foundation seeks to strengthen collaboration among academia, communities, policymakers, conservationists and practitioners, advancing dialogue on the ecological, cultural and developmental priorities of the Eastern Himalaya.
