The Himalayas, with their majestic peaks, lush valleys, and deep-rooted cultural heritage, have always been more than just a geographical entity. The region has been a theatre of complex struggles- ecological, political, social, and developmental. The intricate interplay between tradition and modernity, local aspirations and national policies, environmental sustainability and economic growth, continues to shape the destiny of the communities there. This volume, “Evolving Himalayan States: Identity, Environment, Society, Politics, and Economy,” presents a comprehensive exploration of the various dimensions of the Himalayan region and India’s hill states. It brings together diverse perspectives that address migration, identity, governance, gender, climate change, technological transformation, and sustainable development. Each contribution reflects the complexities of life in the hills, while also offering insights into possible pathways for inclusive and balanced progress.

Ajay Kumar is currently a Research Scholar, pursuing research work in the Department of Political Science at Government PG College, Jhalawar, Rajasthan, University of Kota Rajasthan. He has four years of teaching experience. He has attended 25 international/national seminars/workshops and presented papers in them. He has published many research papers in International Peer-reviewed/UGC CARElisted/Website Of Science Journals and edited 20 books. He is an Editorial Board Member of the International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, World Journal of Humanities and Social Science, and Associate Editor of the Indiana Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. He is also a lifetime full member of the International Society for Development and Sustainability (ISDS JAPAN). His areas of research are International Relations and Queer Studies.

Aman Bora is a dedicated scholar pursuing a Doctoral Degree from the Department of Political Science at SSJDW Government PG College, Ranikhet, SSJ University Almora, Uttarakhand, India. He has secured the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) by UGC. With a profound passion for Political Science, he holds a master’s degree from Kumaun University, Nainital, where he was honoured as a Silver Medallist. He has also qualified the Uttarakhand State Eligibility Test (USET). He is also a member of IPSA and IAPSS, and is an associate member at MP-IDSA, New Delhi. He has served as the editor for several edited volumes and has contributed numerous chapters to reputable collections. Additionally, he has published various research papers in Web of ScienceUGC CARE-listed & peer-reviewed journals and written scholarly articles. He has actively participated in and presented papers at many seminars, webinars, and conferences, earning awards like Best Paper and Research Ambassador.

Mr. Debajit Boruah is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at ICFAI University Sikkim, Gangtok. He holds an M.A. and M.Phil. in Political Science, is a UGC NET qualified scholar (2022), and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in International Relations from Sikkim University. His areas of research interest include International Relations, Security Studies, Political Thought and Theories, Gender Studies, and Research Methodology. He has published multiple research articles and book chapters on issues of gender, geopolitics, and regional security, and has actively presented papers at national and international conferences. He has also participated in several Faculty Development Programmes and academic workshops. He is a recipient of the prestigious Anundoram Borooah Award (2011) for academic excellence.